Lorraine Williamson
A helicopter crash in a key reservoir in Cádiz has raised alarm among residents and environmental groups over the safety of drinking water in Andalucia.
The incident happened on Friday morning, when a helicopter plunged into the Guadarranque reservoir near Castellar de la Frontera. The waterway, nestled in the Los Alcornocales nature reserve, supplies drinking water to around 300,000 people across the Campo de Gibraltar.
Although the pilot and co-pilot escaped unharmed, local people were more worried about the impact on their taps than the accident itself. By Saturday, some claimed to have seen oily streaks on the reservoir’s surface, questioning why no barriers had been placed to contain possible fuel leaks. “Three hundred thousand people use this water, and no one was here 24 hours later,” one resident told local media.
Emergency response and unanswered questions
The helicopter, operated by the company RTS from the nearby La Almoraima estate, was carrying out a maintenance flight when it went down just after 10.30 am. Emergency services, including Guardia Civil and health teams, arrived swiftly, though neither crew member required hospital treatment.
Attention quickly turned to environmental risks. Ecologists from Verdemar-Ecologistas en Acción demanded the Junta de Andalucía clarify how much fuel was on board, whether it had leaked, and publish the results of water analyses without delay.
Mayor calls for immediate protection measures
Adrián Vaca, mayor of Castellar de la Frontera, urged regional authorities to activate emergency protocols and install protective barriers. He warned that the reservoir must be safeguarded until the helicopter is lifted from the water, stressing the dual importance of human consumption and environmental balance.
Environmental and public health concerns
The Guadarranque reservoir plays a vital role not only in drinking water supply but also as part of one of Andalucia’s most significant natural parks. Environmentalists have warned that fuel, metals and other debris from the crash could pose a threat to wildlife as well as to people. They are pressing for swift removal of the wreckage and full transparency.
Junta guarantees water supply – for now
Officials have assured residents that drinking water remains safe, with supply temporarily sourced from Charco Redondo and the Majarambuz wells. The Junta has requested the helicopter’s urgent recovery and a detailed assessment of any contamination. In the meantime, the reservoir remains closed as a precaution.
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