Controlled Ebro River flood mobilizes up to 15,000 tons of sediment

The Ebro Hydrographic Confederation evaluates the 24-hour operation aimed at protecting the Delta's ecosystem.

Generic image of water release from a dam to mobilize river sediments.
IA

Generic image of water release from a dam to mobilize river sediments.

The Ebro Hydrographic Confederation (CHE) estimates that the 24-hour controlled flood initiated from the Riba-roja d'Ebre reservoir has successfully moved between 10,000 and 15,000 tons of sediment downstream.

This operation, part of the GISDE Strategy, involved releasing 1,450 cubic meters of water per second. Experts from several universities, including Lleida and Valencia, monitored the river's turbidity and chemical composition from the upper reaches down to the Ebro Delta.

"The amount we have collected is not very high, but we are characterizing it to improve future management."

Miguel Ángel García Vera · Head of Hydrological Planning at CHE
The CHE is now considering including a larger annual flood in the 2027 Hydrological Plan. This move responds to local demands to restore the river's natural sediment flow and prevent the loss of land in the deltaic region.