Main Málaga reservoir shows signs of recovery as Andalucia's water levels improve

Recent rainfall has boosted regional water reserves, but authorities are urging continued vigilance

La Viñuela reservoir in Málaga, which was perilously low on water last year, is showing signs of recovery. After a significant increase in water levels, the reservoir is now on track to exit its “severe drought” status, a situation it has been in for several years. As of Sunday March 9, La Viñuela surpassed 41.5 million cubic hectometres (hm3), and by Monday March 11, the level is expected to reach 46 million hm3, a gain of 10 million in just one week.

This increase is significant because La Viñuela, which serves much of the province of Málaga, now has enough water to cover domestic consumption for the next two years. However, the reservoir still remains under 28% of its total capacity, which is 165 million hm3.

Just a year ago, La Viñuela had been declared “dead” and a floating pump system was installed to extract the last remaining water. However, the pump was never used, as the situation now improves with consistent rainfall. The improved water levels also offer a potential increase in irrigation quotas for local farmers, who had experienced reduced access last summer due to the ongoing drought.

Across Andalucía, the rainfall has had a wider positive impact. Reservoirs in the region are now at 42.6% of their capacity, a 3.5% increase from the previous week. The province of Málaga, one of the most affected by the drought, is seeing significant gains, as a substantial portion of the regional water supply comes from local reservoirs.

Despite these gains, Ramón Fernández-Pacheco, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development said, “We cannot give up” as he stressed the importance of long-term water infrastructures. “We do not have enough reservoirs with which to have more capacity to store water,” he said, defending the construction of new reservoirs like the Alcolea dam in Huelva and more facilities in Málaga and Cádiz.

He also cautioned against complacency, noting, “The rains cannot make us relax. We are going to work as if not a drop of water had fallen.” Fernández-Pacheco highlighted that the recent rains are not only replenishing reservoirs but also filling aquifers, which are crucial for long-term water supply.

The Andalusian government has announced that meetings regarding potential water use restrictions will be postponed until the end of March, allowing time for more data from the ongoing rainfall. This delay provides an opportunity for more informed decisions regarding water management in the region.

While Andalucía faces ongoing water challenges, the recent rains provide a much-needed reprieve, but the region’s authorities remain focused on securing the future with new infrastructure projects.
 

Images: Junta de Andalucía