Las Basins of Catalonia have been suffering for several years some levels of great importancewhich have several times to restrict the use of water, to avoid shortage problems in some areas of the community.
The latest rains, They have really been abundant, they have barely given a break to reservoirs and basins internalwhich have only increased their capabilities by 10%. Therefore, although it is true that there is a slight improvement, the problem of pertinacious drought cannot be overcome.
Status of the basins and reservoirs in Catalonia
The rainfall episode weekend of March 8 and 9 has made the reserves of 31% to 41% in the internal basins. In just 72 hours, the reservoirs have reached levels that were not registered since August 2022.
The Ter system, the most benefited:
- The increase in reservations It has been close to the 67 cubic hectometers (HM³).
- In the next few days an additional increase is expectedin the Basins since the rivers still have high flows and will end up increasing their reserves.
- The most benefited reservoirs have been those of the Ter systemespecially Sau, as well as those of Llobregat and Darnius Boadella.
- The effects have been less notable En Siurana Y Riudecanyes.
- The rainfall that has been produced confirms the forecasts of a normal spring, in regard to water resources.
- Despite the improvementthe drought situation cannot be considered overcome.
Good water management
It follows working to guarantee the availability of water, regardless of the rains. This implies having 31 hm³ again resource throughout this 2025 because, although there has a significant improvement in the Basins And reservoirs, the situation has not been completely resolved.
Works to have 31 hm3 this 2025:
- Improvements in the purification of empuriabrava (€ 2.5 m). This first quarter of the year will be finished.
- Regenerated water contribution from the Figueres treatment plant to the La Muga river at the height of Pont de Molins (€ 6). In the final phase. Will contribute, annually, up to 3 hm3.
- Five well construction in the Peralada environment to improve the quality of the Fluvià Muga aquifer. (€ 4.4 m). They will be activated during spring.
- Modular desaliners (€ 3.6) and ultrafiltration plants in empuriabrava (€ 3) and also a small modular installation (4 modules) in the Roses area.
- Potabilizer expansion of the Trinity (€ 39). The works are ongoing and it is expected to finish them in summer.
- Activation of new wells of Sant Joan Despí (€ 28.8). Forecast that they are in service at the end of 2025.
- Improvement actions of the star dirty (€ 33 m) to increase the quality of the water.
- Incorporation of water from the Rubí Riera to increase the availability of water in the Llobregat River (€ 0.3 m).
- Well recovery In the field of Ter Llobregat, Baix Camp, Priorat and Muga through the aids provided by the ACA (€ 19).
- Exploitation of the Pozos de Moncada (€ 3.6).
- Commissioning of the water regeneration station (ERA) of Sant Feliu de Llobregat (€ 5.5 m). The current treatment does not conform to the reuse requirements. This water will be for the use of agrarian irrigation (channel of the infant and channel on the right), replacing flows captured in the river. In case of necessity, it could also be incorporated into the Llobregat River as an preponable resource.
- Connection from the Ebro River with the municipality of Garcia and the swamp of Guiamets (€ 5.5 m) to make an extension of the irrigation of Guiamets. The investment will be made by the State.
- Sud Garrigues connection with the Montsant area (€ 6). Start -up for the middle of next year.