Madrid Releases Dam Water to Avert Flooding as Reservoirs Hit 77% Capacity
Heavy January rains, over 50% above average, force authorities to open floodgates at five key dams to ensure hydrological safety.
Madrid’s regional government has begun releasing water from five key dams after weeks of intense rain pushed the capital’s 13 reservoirs to 77% of their total capacity, holding 728.136 cubic hectometers of water.
The controlled discharges are intended to “maintain hydrological safety” ahead of more precipitation forecast for this week. The government, led by Isabel Díaz Ayuso, confirmed that water is being released from the Pinilla (25 m³/second), Riosequillo (17 m³/second), Puentes Viejas (50 m³/second), Pedrezuela (8 m³/second), and El Vado (30 m³/second) dams.
These operations, which began at the Pedrezuela dam on January 23, aim to preserve the necessary buffer levels within the infrastructure to manage future rainfall without risk. Officials stated the measures help regulate river flows and prevent potential flooding from sudden surges in water levels.
Canal de Isabel II, the public water management company, has informed both the Tagus Hydrographic Confederation, the basin’s regulatory body, and the Madrid 112 Security and Emergency Agency (ASEM112) of the ongoing releases.
The region experienced 52.4% more rainfall than the historical average in January, recording 89.7 liters per square meter compared to the typical 58.9 l/m². This left reservoirs at 76.4% capacity (720.5 hm³) at the start of February.
Current water levels are 5.6 percentage points above the same period last year, when they stood at 70.8% (667.9 hm³), and 7.4 points higher than the historical average of 69.0% (650.8 hm³).
Decisions on the water releases are based on an analysis of river flow data, weather forecasts, statistical series, and dam safety models.
River Surveillance
The Community of Madrid’s Corps of Forestry Agents is maintaining “constant surveillance” of river and stream levels, checking for potential issues at crossings and bridges. The monitoring also extends to areas near homes and agricultural or livestock operations.
Efforts are concentrated around the Alberche river and its tributaries in the municipalities of Villamanta, Villamantilla, Aldea del Fresno, and Villa del Prado, which were severely impacted by the DANA storm in September 2023. Agents are also closely watching the Tajuña river in Morata de Tajuña to prevent any sudden rises in water levels.
