Despite a 20-point drop during the summer months, slightly above the usual, the situation is not one of drought. The primary cause was increased evaporation due to unusually high temperatures, according to ACA Director Josep Lluís Armenter. Desalination plants are operating at 50% capacity to ensure supply.
ACA data from September 14 shows internal basins at 76.7%, the highest level for this date since 2020. Armenter confirms water resources are guaranteed without planned restrictions, at least "beyond next summer."
Most reservoirs exceed 75% capacity: La Llosa del Cavall (88.5%), Susqueda (82.1%), Sant Ponç (80.3%), La Baells (74.8%), Sau (73.2%), and Siurana (72.4%). In contrast, the Riudecanyes reservoir in Baix Camp has seen a significant decrease, falling from full at the start of summer to the current 34.4%. The Foix reservoir is at 50%, and Darnius Boadella in Alt Empordà is at 61%.
Armenter describes current levels as "good news," attributing them to starting the summer with nearly 100% reserves, effective resource management, improved irrigation efficiency, and controlled consumption. While reservoir drops are normal for the season, this summer's decline was "a bit" more pronounced due to evaporation.
ACA plans to add three new desalination plants by 2033, doubling current capacity. The goal is for desalinated and regenerated water to constitute 70% of the total supply by 2030, reducing reliance on rainfall.
Catalonia's Ebro river basins show lower levels, at 58.9% capacity, down from 70.8% a year ago. Reservoirs like Riba-roja d'Ebre (96.1%) and Terradets (96.6%) are nearly full, while Oliana (56.8%), Rialb (55.6%), Talarn (53.4%), Camarasa (52.8%), and Canelles (50%) are just over half full.
The Ebro basins account for 60% of Catalonia's water consumption, primarily agricultural, whereas the internal basins supply 92% of the population with domestic water. Per capita consumption has decreased significantly, from 145 liters daily in 2004 to under 110 liters now, despite a 12% population growth.
