Last week saw the biggest rise in water levels in Spanish reservoirs for some considerable time as a result of recent rain. According to Environment ministry figures, levels rose by 579 cubic hectometres (1.1% of total capacity), to 22,222 cubic hectometres, or 41.7% of total capacity. On the 11th October, levels stood at 20,756 cubic hectometres (39% of total capacity).
There was abundant rain across the country last week, with a maximum of 107 litres per square metre falling on Santiago de Compostela. There was even a rise in reservoirs in the Segura basin in the parched southeast, where levels have recovered slightly to 12.2% of total capacity.
Reservoirs destined for hydroelectrical power usage benefited the most (+349 cubic hectometres, or 2% total capacity), and now stand at 52.9% of total capacity. Levels rose by 230 cubic hectometres in those destined for personal use, and are at 36.3% capacity. However, average rainfall for the whole peninsular last week of 10.2 litres per square metre, is some way below the average for all years since 1930 of 16.5 litres per square metre.
