Feb 25 • 12:04 UTC 🇪🇸 Spain El Mundo

The storm train leaves record water levels in reservoirs in the last 40 years: they are at 82.9% of their capacity

Recent storms in Spain have led to reservoirs reaching their highest water levels in 40 years, with significant regional variations and concerns about infrastructure maintenance.

From late December 2025 to mid-February, a series of storms in Spain has caused reservoirs to fill to 82.9% of their capacity, marking the highest recorded level for this time of year in the past four decades, as reported by the Ministry for Ecological Transition. The total water stored amounts to 46,494 cubic hectometers, and notably, the Guadalete-Barbate basin nearly doubled its stored water, rising from 45.5% to 91.8%. This significant increase illustrates the impact of the recent weather patterns on water resources.

However, the situation is not uniformly positive across the country. For instance, the Segura basin, which traditionally holds very little water, faces ongoing challenges and concerns related to insufficient infrastructure maintenance. Experts warn that without proper interventions and solutions to enhance the management of reservoirs and dams, the consequences could be dire, potentially leading to catastrophic scenarios in the future. The current state raises critical questions about Spain's water management strategies amidst changing climate conditions.

As Spain experiences these extreme weather events, the implications stretch beyond just water levels; they also highlight the pressing need for infrastructure investment and proactive maintenance to prevent future crises. Stakeholders are urged to consider these findings seriously as they deliberate on environmental policies and resource management strategies to secure the nation's water future.

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