The Community of Irrigators of the Riudecanyes Reservoir, chaired by Miquel Àngel Prats, carried out this action, releasing approximately 35,000 cubic meters of water (about 35 million liters). This maneuver, which lowered the reservoir level by five centimeters, had not been possible since 2020 due to the intense drought that has affected the area.
Prats explained that, although the volume released is “very little” compared to the total capacity of 5.32 hm³, the main objective was to check the correct functioning of the floodgates and clean the stream of sediments. This action is usually carried out in all reservoirs, but the lack of water had prevented it until now.
“"We won't have enough for irrigation. We will see what we can transfer from Siurana."
Following the rains recorded during January, the reservoir is practically at 100% capacity. However, irrigators warn that to guarantee a “normal” irrigation campaign (which has not happened since 2022) they need around 6 cubic hectometers, an amount greater than what the Riudecanyes reservoir can store.
The decision regarding the irrigation campaign and potential transfers, as well as the repetition of the release maneuver, will be made by the Agència Catalana de l'Aigua (ACA) during the commission to be held in the spring, depending on the rainfall in Priorat and other catchment areas.
