Cádiz’s Water Crisis: Threats Loom as Reservoirs Run Dry

[clive Grazalema]

As the 2022/2023 hydrological year draws to a close, Cádiz finds itself teetering on the brink of a severe water crisis. The southern region of Spain, known for its stunning landscapes and white villages, is facing an unprecedented challenge – a dwindling water supply that threatens the livelihoods of its residents and the delicate balance of its ecosystems.

The heart of this crisis lies in the Los Hurones and Guadalcacín reservoirs, whose waters have quenched the thirst of the region for generations. These reservoirs, once mighty “inland seas”, now present a haunting and desolate appearance, mirroring the very real threat of water restrictions on the horizon. With clear skies, soaring temperatures, and no signs of autumn in sight, the situation is dire.

Los Hurones Reservoir: A Precious Reservoir in Peril

The Los Hurones reservoir, nestled in the heart of Cádiz, has long been a lifeline for its residents. Many thousands of people in the area rely on its waters for their daily needs. However, the reservoir’s current state paints a grim picture. It stands at just 34.11% of its capacity, with a reserve of a mere 46.15 cubic hectometers (one cubic hectometer is equivalent to 1,000 million liters of water). If rain doesn’t come soon (and continuously), its water levels could plummet to levels that threaten the quality of the precious liquid it stores.

In the last hydrological year, Los Hurones received only 629 millimeters of precipitation. To put this in perspective, one millimeter corresponds to one liter of water in one square meter. Thus, Los Hurones accumulated just 629 liters of water per square meter. This is a far cry from what this vital reservoir needs to sustain the region.

Los Hurones receives water from the Guadiaro-Majaceite transfer and, in turn, discharges it to the nearby Guadalcacín reservoir, the largest in the province, with a storage capacity that usually hovers around 377 cubic hectometres.

Guadalcacín Reservoir: The Giant Awaits Relief

The Guadalcacín reservoir, a behemoth in Cádiz’s water infrastructure, now stands at a mere 18.97% of its capacity. While it still holds a considerable 151.82 cubic hectometers of water, it’s a far cry from its 800 cubic hectometer capacity.

Drought Across the Region: A Wider Crisis

The drought isn’t confined to Los Hurones and Guadalcacín alone. Even traditionally rainy areas like Grazalema are feeling the impact. The Zahara-El Gastor reservoir, nestled in one of the rainiest areas in the country, currently stands at a mere 4.15% capacity, with just 9.25 cubic hectometers.

Whilst some rain fell at the beginning of September, this didn’t significantly replenish water reserves. What’s needed is continuous rainfall in the coming weeks to avert a catastrophe.

The consequences of this persistent drought are profound. Not only are farmers throughout the province facing dire circumstances, but even human consumption is under threat. Cádiz seems to be running out of water.

 

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[Rachel]

Hi Clive

Its pretty dire in Malaga province as well as this article in the Sur in English describes: https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/these-are-the-areas-malaga-province-and-20231006130856-nt.html

The extreme drought affecting Malaga province continues to wreak havoc on the countryside and is putting the supply of water to the population at serious risk if there continues to be no significant rainfall in the coming weeks.

Faced with this complicated scenario, with the region’s reservoirs at 20.7% of their capacity on Friday, the Andalusian regional government, as the competent water authority in the Andalusian Mediterranean Basin, has held a management committee to discuss measures for the coming months and allocations according to the different scenarios.

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