Robert Firth
RESERVOIRS across Andalucia are still almost a fifth less full than this time last year, despite last week’s heavy rainfall.
Water levels at reservoirs in the region are 18% lower than in 2018. They are at 38.83% capacity (4,388 cubic hectometres of water) following the downpours, compared to 56.65% (6,329 cubic hectometres) last year.
The statistics showing the reduction in water levels come after the Olive Press revealed shocking photos showing the plummeting water height at Lake Istan last week.
Photographer, Michele Brecknell, who snapped the photos has called for a hosepipe ban.
Data published by the Ministry for the Environment on Tuesday show that the Guadalquivir basin is 36% full, holding 2,888 cubic hectometres of water – a 1% increase on last week.
Meanwhile the Andalucian Mediterranean basin saw its water levels increase by two cubic hectometres to 564 hectometres.
The Tinto, Odiel and Piedras reservoirs in Huelva only gained three cubic hectometres of water compared to last week, rising to 65% capacity (146 cubic hectometres).
Reservoirs in Andalucia have been shedding water for seven months this year – since the end of April – compared to the normal four month long May to September drought.
