The Sau reservoir in Catalonia is facing critically low water levels as a drought tightens its grip on the region. Reports from BBC indicate the situation is stressing the local ecosystem and raising concerns about water quality and availability for nearby communities.
To prevent fish from dying and decomposing in the dwindling waters, fish are being contained with nets. This intervention helps keep the reservoir waters clearer, but it also means the water becomes unsuitable for drinking until the conditions improve. Meanwhile, as part of the management strategy, the remaining volume of water is released downstream to another reservoir, reducing the risk of silt accumulation and contamination while safeguarding a more stable water supply for downstream users.
Samuel Reyes, the director of the Catalan Water Resources Agency, explained that they aim to release water rapidly during the winter when the water quality is relatively better. He noted that spring poses greater challenges, and efforts are focused on removing fish as a precautionary measure to protect downstream ecosystems and water infrastructure. Reyes stressed that maintaining a balance between storage, quality, and ecological health is essential during these dry periods.
The Sau reservoir sits roughly 100 kilometers from Barcelona and has long been a crucial source of water for the city and other settlements across the northeastern Catalonia region, supplying thousands of residents during times of normal rainfall and serving as a buffer during dry spells.
In recent months, the region has experienced a sharp decline in rainfall, with two and a half years passing without substantial precipitation. By early March, the reservoir’s level had fallen to a fraction of its capacity, signaling the seriousness of the drought and the urgency of water management measures to protect both human needs and environmental health.
Meanwhile, reports from environmental observers note a separate protest action in Rome, where activists painted water imagery in Piazza di Spagna black to draw attention to water concerns and ecological pressures. This display underscores the broader global attention on water scarcity and the interconnectedness of water resources across regions and borders.