Approved the Reservoir Filling Plan for the 2023-2024 hydrological year in the Duero basin

The Duero Basin Discharge Commission has approved the filling plan for the 2023-2024 hydrological year. It is great news for the area, especially after a year marked by drought, which left contributions to the reservoirs 18% below usual. This unusual situation was due to surprising climate changes that caused the lowest inflows to the reservoirs in the last 25 years, with just 415 hm3 compared to the average of 1.006 hm3.

Until October 27, the reservoirs under the management of the CHD (Duero Hydrographic Confederation) were at 33,6% of their total capacity, storing 957,8 hm3. This represents an increase of 2 percentage points compared to the previous year, although still below the average of the last decade (40,2%). The recent rains have been a big help, adding 58,5 hm3 in the last week, especially in the northwest area of ​​the basin.

The hydrological year 2022-2023 was marked by drought (affecting our irrigation systems), with only 2.720 hm3 of inflows to the reservoirs, 18% less than the average of the last 25 years. The months of April and May marked historic lows in 11 of the 13 exploitation systems. At the end of September, total reserves were 902 hm3, just 32% of the reservoir's total capacity, a value much lower than usual.

Despite these adverse conditions, the 2023 irrigation campaign was managed effectively in most systems, thanks to early discharges and certain rains that alleviated the situation in June and September. However, the Pisuerga-Bajo Duero area experienced restrictions due to a shortage of reserves.

The Discharge Commission, made up of representatives of the Duero Hydrographic Confederation, the State Administration and water users, is responsible for proposing the regime for filling and emptying the reservoirs, adapting to the needs of the different users. The approval of the plan for the next hydrological year highlights the importance of careful management of water resources in the Duero basin and emphasizes the need for a wet autumn and winter to ensure the complete recovery of the reservoirs. Let's continue working together to take care of our water resources!