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Christmas Storms Lift Catalonia Reservoirs to 82%, Prompting Precautionary Releases

Desalination plants keep reduced output to favor aquifer recovery, reflecting a cautious shift from emergency to maintenance.

Overview

  • ACA data show internal-basin storage rose from 478 to 552 hm3 in seven days, taking the system to roughly 82–83% of capacity.
  • With Susqueda near 98–99% full, the ACA began controlled releases from Susqueda and Pasteral that officials expect will have null or moderate downstream impact.
  • Desalination continues at partial load — about 50% at Tordera and 70% at El Prat — to support groundwater recharge despite the reservoir rebound.
  • Recovery remains uneven: Sau has climbed to roughly 67–71% and Foix to about 89%, while Riudecanyes sits near 43–45% and Siurana hovers around 15–16%.
  • Beyond the internal basins, Ebro-reservoir levels stand near 57% (≈4,481 hm3) as the region advances works such as the Els Guiamets upgrade to strengthen irrigation resilience.