MONTHS of rain have transformed Malaga’s water situation, with the province’s reservoirs now close to full and holding enough reserves to cover years of consumption.
The province’s seven reservoirs are currently storing more than 581 cubic hectometres of water, putting them at over 96% of total capacity following the wettest winter in 47 years.
The figures represent a huge change from the situation just two years ago.
In May 2024, a prolonged drought meant Malaga’s reservoirs held barely 150 cubic hectometres in total, less than a quarter of their capacity and enough for only around nine months of supply.
Today, the reserves are almost four times higher, with experts estimating there is enough water to cover roughly three and a half years of normal consumption.
The estimate is based on Malaga province using around 159 cubic hectometres of water annually.
Agricultural use is not included in those calculations.
According to the latest data from the Hidrosur monitoring network, the current level of 581.93 cubic hectometres is the best seen in more than a decade.
The largest reservoir in Guadalteba is now completely full with 154 cubic hectometres stored, while the neighbouring Guadalhorce reservoir has also reached 100% capacity with more than 126 cubic hectometres.
The Limonero dam, which regulates the Guadalmedina River and helps prevent flooding, is also at full capacity, although it holds a smaller volume of just under 16 cubic hectometres.
The Conde del Guadalhorce reservoir, located in Ardales, is at 96.8% of its capacity, holding just over 64 cubic hectometers
Meanwhile, the Concepcion reservoir, which supplies the Costa del Sol, is at more than 94% capacity after receiving some of the highest rainfall levels in the province this year.
Casasola, the small reservoir in Almogia, is at more than 65% capacity.
The most remarkable change has taken place at La Viñuela reservoir.
Declared a ‘dead reservoir’ by experts two years ago after dropping to just 7% capacity, it has surged back to 93% full.
La Viñuela now holds almost 153 cubic hectometres of water, making it the reservoir’s third-highest level ever recorded.
Based on current consumption estimates, the supply there alone could theoretically last until 2032.
Click here to read more Malaga News from The Olive Press.
