Recent Rains Boost Water Levels at Concepción Reservoir
Following the recent rainfall, the Concepción Reservoir, which supplies water to Marbella, saw a sudden increase of 2.5 cubic hectometres over the past weekend. A week later, with the runoff, this has now increased to 4 cubic hectometres. The reservoir is currently at 33.66% capacity, the highest it’s been in the last five months, but still far from its level a year ago.
Storm Karlotta Provides Relief but Not a Solution
The rainfall brought by storm “Karlotta” in the week of March 4 to 10 has provided some relief, but not a solution, for the water reserves on the Costa del Sol. With the runoff added over seven more days, a total of 4 cubic hectometres of water has been gained. Currently, the Concepción Reservoir holds 19.37 cubic hectometres of water, according to information provided by the Hidrosur Network.
Reservoir Levels Still Insufficient for Summer
Despite being at its highest level in the last five months, the reservoir’s capacity is still insufficient to comfortably face the summer. The capacity is currently at 33.66%, the best since October, but far from the 81% it was at this time last year.
Yearly Rainfall Below Average
Since the start of the hydrological year on October 1, rainfall has amounted to 262.30 litres per square metre of water, slightly below the same period in 2023, when it was 330 litres. The lowest level of the reservoir that serves Marbella was recorded on November 14, 2005, with 4.9 cubic hectometres.
Water Restrictions to Continue Despite Recent Rains
The ongoing water restrictions will continue as these rains only provide relief, not a solution to the drought problem. For now, the Junta has eased some measures and will allow hotel pools to be filled, but not private residences.
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The Junta allows public and tourist pools to be filled, but not private ones.
