Miquel Àngel Prats, president of the Riudecanyes Reservoir Irrigators' Community, explained that the action is "ordinary" and necessary to verify the correct functioning of the floodgates, which the lack of rain in recent years had prevented. The release of this flow lowered the reservoir level by only about five centimeters.
The reservoir is currently almost at 100% capacity, but its configuration allows water to overflow through the sides when it reaches its maximum, preventing the dam from being overloaded. This maneuver, which is carried out in all reservoirs, also serves to remove accumulated sediments.
“"The volume released, 35,000 cubic meters, is very little compared to the total capacity of the reservoir."
The released flow traveled down the stream, helping to clean it and, if the reservoir overflows again, it will allow the recharging of aquifers, which have been severely affected by the drought. The Agència Catalana de l'Aigua (ACA) will decide between May and June whether to repeat the process.
With the reservoir full, the irrigators' community is confident they can carry out a "normal" irrigation campaign this year, something that has not happened since 2022. However, Prats warns that they will need additional transfers from Siurana to reach the 6 cubic hectometers required for the campaign.
