The entry into service of the consolidation works of the Guiamets reservoir allows the recovery of irrigation for 2,675 hectares of crops in Priorat and Ribera d'Ebre. This infrastructure puts an end to two years of extreme drought that left farmers in the area without supply.
The total investment amounts to 5.9 million euros and connects the hydraulic system directly with the Ebro River. This link ensures supply to municipalities such as Margalef, La Bisbal, La Palma d'Ebre, Cabacés, La Vilella, and La Figuera even during periods of scarce rainfall.
The water collapse annulled agricultural income
During the 2023 and 2024 campaigns, the reservoir's reserves fell below 10% of its capacity. This critical situation prevented normal irrigation and resulted in the total loss of agricultural income for those affected.
The Department of Agriculture allocated direct economic aid to alleviate the impact. The administration contributed 461,057 euros for the 2023 campaign and 443,759 euros for the 2024 campaign to the Comunitat de Regants del Baix Priorat.
"The action reduces dependence on rainfall in the area" - Generalitat de Catalunya, promoter of the work together with the Ebro Hydrographic Confederation
The execution of this project required close coordination between the Generalitat de Catalunya, the Ministry for the Ecological Transition, the public company Tragsa, and the local irrigation community. The objective was to restore the water security of the region as soon as possible.
Upcoming improvements to optimize flow
The authorities have planned the waterproofing of the reservoir in a later phase. This measure seeks to reduce current leaks and optimize the use of winter flows from the Ebro River. The strategy also aims to decrease the need for pumping during the summer months.
The Guiamets reservoir, under the ownership of the Ebro Hydrographic Confederation, is consolidated as the central piece of the agricultural system against the drought. The Department of Agriculture is already studying new water concessions to expand the irrigated area of the historic Priorat.