Noguera Ribagorçana Dams Release Water for First Time in 40 Years

Reservoirs reach 80% capacity due to rapid snowmelt and heavy winter rainfall.

Generic image of water gushing through the spillway gates of a large dam.
IA

Generic image of water gushing through the spillway gates of a large dam.

Authorities in the Noguera region have initiated an emergency water release at the Santa Anna reservoir this Wednesday, marking the first such operation in 40 years after reaching 80% capacity.

Civil Protection has issued warnings to nine local municipalities, including Ivars de Noguera and Alfarràs, as the river flow increases to 20 cubic meters per second. The decision follows a significant rise in temperatures causing rapid snowmelt in the Pyrenees.
The basin currently holds 872 cubic hectometers of water, a volume that guarantees irrigation for the next three seasons. Simultaneously, the l'Albagés reservoir continues to fill, currently holding 16.5 cubic hectometers with expectations to reach 40 by the end of the year.

"The goal is for the south connection to become a reality this year to improve water distribution efficiency."

Justo Minguella · Vice-president of Canalet de Tàrrega
In Tàrrega, irrigation communities are pushing for infrastructure upgrades to connect with the Segarra-Garrigues canal, aiming to reduce electricity costs and prevent water leakage in the aging distribution network.