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Spanish drought kept at bay as heavy Easter rains top up Andalusia reservoirs

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Some reservoirs have been brought back up to 40-50% of their total supply

Spanish drought kept at bay as heavy Easter rains top up Andalusia reservoirs

The recent Easter rains have brought a much-needed relief to Andalucía, effectively replenishing its reservoirs and alleviating the looming threat of drought that has gripped the region. The abundant rainfall experienced during Easter Week has significantly bolstered water levels across various reservoirs, marking a notable increase in their capacity.

Following the Easter downpour, Andalucía’s reservoirs are now at approximately 40% of their total capacity. This surge in water levels translates to around 4,800 cubic hectometres (hm3) out of a total capacity of 12,000 hm3. This substantial increase in water levels is primarily attributed to the runoff from the heavy rains, which continues to contribute to the replenishment of reservoirs across the region.

The impact of the Easter rains on Andalucía's water reserves has been profound, with the overall percentage of water in reservoirs rising by almost ten points. Data collected from the Automatic Hydrological Information Systems (SAIH) of the Guadalquivir and Hidrosur indicates a notable improvement in water levels, offering a much-needed respite from the persistent drought conditions which have forced water restrictions in several parts, notably on the Costa del Sol.

The Guadalquivir Demarcation, one of the region’s key water management areas around Seville province, now stands at 43.28% of its capacity, marking a thirteen-point increase compared to previous levels. Similarly, the Guadalete-Barbate basin around Cádiz has experienced a nearly six-point surge, reaching 27.18% of its capacity. The Andalusian Mediterranean basins have also seen a notable rise, reaching 27.39% of their total capacity, reflecting a five-percentage-point increase.

In addition to the broader regional impact, specific reservoirs have witnessed substantial gains in their water reserves. The La Concepción reservoir, situated in Málaga province, has seen a remarkable increase, reaching 49.24% of its capacity.

It is hoped that the recent increase in water reserves will continue over the course of the spring, which traditionally brings plentiful rains. A continuous rise in water levels would bode well for addressing the water scarcity concerns in the region, offering a glimmer of hope for agricultural and environmental sustainability as we approach what could conceivably be another very dry summer with more record-breaking high temperatures.

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