For weeks, residents and associations in Vallbona and Montcada i Reixac have observed a reduction in the water flow of the Rec Comtal. Antonio Silva, from the Historical Archive of Roquetes – Nou Barris, notes that the decrease is perceptible compared to previous years, a perception confirmed by the Catalan Water Agency (ACA).
The primary hypothesis points to works being undertaken by the public entity ATL (Aigües del Ter Llobregat) on the Besòs riverbank. These tasks involve installing impermeable screens near the Pont de la Roca to lay a new pipeline, which could be limiting water intake into the ancient channel. These works are part of a project to duplicate a pipeline carrying water from Cardedeu to Barcelona and to address a leak in Badalona.
These effects are expected to be temporary. According to ATL sources, it is estimated that works in this section of Montcada i Reixac will be completed in approximately one month. Subsequently, both ATL and ACA will monitor the situation to verify if the Rec Comtal's water flow returns to normal levels. ATL sources have already reported a significant recovery in water volume.
The decrease in water flow coincides with the Rec Comtal's growing importance for the metropolitan water supply network, after treatment at the Besòs water treatment plant. In parallel, the Barcelona City Council is finalizing works to renaturalize its surroundings, including a path that follows its course from Trinitat Vella through Vallbona.
The Rec Comtal, with a thousand years of history, is only visible in the open air from Montcada i Reixac to Vallbona, where it still irrigates the orchards of La Ponderosa. Associations from both municipalities have fought for its heritage protection. Arnaldo Gil, from the Historical Archive of Roquetes – Nou Barris, argues that a flow of approximately 500 liters per second is vital to maintain the channel's fauna and flora, preventing it from becoming a sewer.
This is not the first time works have caused an impact. In 2023, tasks by Agbar damaged the Rec Comtal's mine vault. The council of Montcada i Reixac filed a formal complaint with the ACA and the Directorate General of Heritage, and the company began repairs in December.
