May 14, 2025
Catalonia leaves the drought behind: reservoirs begin to recover
Catalonia has overcome the worst drought of the 21st century. After more than three years under a state of water emergency, the region has officially returned to a phase of normality thanks to the remarkable recovery of its reservoir levels—some now exceeding 76% of their capacity. This turning point marks a shift in how we understand water management in the context of climate change.
What has changed—and why does it matter?
On May 12, the Government of Catalonia confirmed that most water exploitation units were exiting the emergency phase, according to 3cat.cat. Only Riudecanyes remains in a state of pre-alert. This announcement follows a long period during which the Sau reservoir reached historic lows, becoming a symbol of the crisis.
Today, the outlook is drastically different: the Ter-Llobregat system, which supplies over six million people, has surpassed 64% of its capacity, allowing restrictions to be lifted in more than 200 municipalities (source).
This recovery in Sau and other reservoirs is the result of several factors: intense rainfall, snowmelt, and also improvements in infrastructure and water planning.
Beyond the emergency: sustainability and efficiency
Although normality has returned, consumption must remain under control. According to the Catalan Water Agency (ACA), water use increased by 60% after restrictions were lifted—but it still remains below the European average (see source).
This context highlights the need for both citizens and businesses to adopt sustainable practices. At Wegsco, we’ve long emphasized the importance of integrating efficient resource use into corporate sustainability strategies. Learn more in our article on why companies must prioritize sustainability.
Key actions for companies:
- Invest in technologies that reduce water consumption
- Monitor usage with smart sensors
- Implement water reuse systems
- Measure and reduce water footprint
You can explore these topics further in our article on efficient water use, where we discuss real-world solutions for companies facing water scarcity.
Strategic levers for the medium and long term
Despite the current relief, authorities stress the importance of continuing investments. The planned expansion of the Tordera desalination plant this summer is one of the key projects that will boost the system’s resilience.
This phase shift should also serve as an opportunity to rethink our water model. Organizations like Aigua és Vida warn that there’s still room for improvement, especially in industrial and tourism sectors.
Implementing efficiency measures and adopting sustainable technological solutions is now more urgent than ever. As we explain in our article on innovations transforming sustainability, the companies that lead this transformation will gain a clear competitive edge.
In summary
The end of the drought alert in Catalonia is great news—but it shouldn’t lead to complacency. Pressure on water resources will continue to grow with climate change. Companies, governments, and citizens must maintain a strong commitment to sustainability.
At Wegsco, we help organizations reduce their water footprint, improve efficiency, and adapt to new climate realities. The time to act is now.
