WITH more rain forecast for this weekend, taking us into the start of May – and the Cruces de Mayo celebrations – the region’s reservoirs are filling, with Spain’s water capacity now reportedly at its highest levels in four years.
Photos of the Rules ‘embalse’, which was previously looking extremely depleted, have recently gone viral.
On Tuesday, Spain’s Ministry of Ecological Transition said that the current level of 37,342 cubic hectometres (hm2) in the nation’s reservoirs is only 19 hm2 less than in May 2020.
According to monitoring site, Embalses.net, the reservoirs in Spain are up to 66.5% of their reserves overall, compared to 50.10% in the same week of 2023 and a 10-year average of 64.68%.
And in Granada?
In Granada province, levels now stand at 38.03% (up 13 cubic hectometres on the previous week) – compared to 32.56% during 2023 and a 10-year average of 55.88%.
The Rules ‘embalse’ is at 57.66% of capacity, having gained 5hm2 during the previous week. This compares to 58.56% a year ago and a 74.41% 10-year average.
Over at Beznar, the capacity is now 73,58%, with a 2hm2 gain during the previous week. The figure was 73.58% in 2023 (the same!) and with a 10-year average of 75.66%.
More snow melt
With snow melt still flowing from the Sierra Nevada peaks, and the ski resort at Pradollano anticipating some snowfall during its closing weekend (the end date is Sunday 28), the water situation looks relatively stable for the region below its slopes, for now.
Some municipalities, such as the Taha de Pitres, have withdrawn water restrictions that were planned for summer. Much of La Alpujarra benefits from snow melt coming down from the south face of the Sierra Nevada peaks.
Different story on the ‘costa’
However, other areas – especially those in Malaga province, which was worse afflicted by drought – continue to maintain water usage restrictions. These municipalities are mindful of the fact that the recent rainfall might not be sustained, and summer is the key reservoir depletion season.
The ban on filling private swimming pools is proving controversial, with the prediction that it will negatively impact tourism on the ‘costa’.
Marbella is deciding on May 1 whether to allow the filling of these pools. Meanwhile, Belamadena town hall has approved fines of 600e for residents who flout any water restrictions that are deemed needed in future.
The plans for major desalination plants to alleviate Spain’s drought situation will, thankfully, continue.
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