Two weeks after the passage of two nearly back-to-back DANAs, Malaga’s reservoirs are still benefiting from increased runoff.
However, the rate of growth has begun to flatten. The reservoirs in the Guadalhorce area are beginning to experience slight drops, whereas La Concepción in Istán, continues to see significant inflow, currently standing close to 65% of its capacity.
Water restrictions under review
Despite the damaging but much-needed rainfall, water restrictions imposed following this summer’s severe drought remain in place. This was confirmed in the Official Gazette of Andalucia (BOJA) on Wednesday. Specifically for Málaga province, urban water consumption was capped at 180 litres per person per day for Málaga City, Axarquía, and Guadalhorce—down from the previous limit of 200 litres. In the western Costa del Sol, which includes towns like Marbella, Fuengirola, and Torremolinos, the limit is now 200 litres per person per day, reduced from 225 litres.
However, these measures may soon be reviewed. The next Drought Committee meeting will take place in early December, according to Agriculture Minister Ramón Fernández Pacheco. In this upcoming session, experts are likely to declare the Costa del Sol free from drought thresholds, with La Concepción surpassing its required levels. The reservoir currently holds over 37 cubic hectometres, significantly higher than last year’s levels, and about two and a half times more.
The regional minister emphasised that water-saving measures are not decided unilaterally by the regional government. Instead, councils, water operators, and environmental groups all have a say through dedicated committees. “A plurality of voices must express their views on the water situation in each area, and decisions are made solely to safeguard water sufficiency,” he said. He added that if circumstances change, the approach will be adapted “with the greatest possible flexibility.”
La Viñuela and the Guadalhorce
La Viñuela reservoir, located in the Axarquía region, has also experienced an impressive rebound. It now is reaching nearly three times the volume it held at the same point last year. At 36 cubic hectometres, it provides enough water for 18 months of urban consumption. However, to escape the highest level of drought, it needs to reach 41.5 cubic hectometres—a figure that seems unlikely without further heavy rains.
The Guadalhorce reservoirs, by contrast, have seen less benefit. Only Conde de Guadalhorce has seen better levels compared to last year, as the heaviest rains missed this area. Nonetheless, a shift from severe to moderate drought seems feasible for these reservoirs. Across the system, current levels are at 71.4 cubic hectometres including strategic reserves like Casasola in Almogía.
Future challenges
While runoff into the Guadalhorce remains healthy, flowing at a rate of 2,240 litres per second compared to the 1,500 consumed by the city of Malaga, the challenges posed by years of drought remain. Recent rains have also led to some water loss from reservoir maintenance activities and evaporation, with annual evaporation losses estimated to reach 20-30 cubic hectometres in wetter years.