The Baells reservoir is almost full and begins to empty water.

BarcelonaThe Baells reservoir is nearly at full capacity and began emptying water this Monday morning. The Berguedá reservoir—one of the largest in the inland basins—has experienced a spectacular rise of 40 points in less than twenty days thanks to the abundant rains in March and is now over 95%. According to sources from the Catalan Water Agency (ACA) who explained to ARA, the floodgates were not opened, but the outflow rate was increased, from 0.6 to 7.5 cubic meters (m³) per second. A scenario unthinkable just a year ago, when we were experiencing the worst of the historic drought and Baells reached rock bottom, with reserves below 19%.

According to the ACA, this slow emptying rate will remain constant until further notice. New decisions will be made as the evolution of the reservoir level, which continues to rise unabated, is observed. The Llobregat River maintains a high flow and contributes a lot of water to the Baells Dam from its headwaters. Furthermore, there is a lot of snow in the high elevations of the Pyrenees, which will be a large reservoir as the thaw progresses.

2021 was the last time the Baells Dam increased the outflow to empty the reservoir level to levels similar to the current ones. However, the last time the floodgates were opened significantly was more than five years ago, after the storm. Glory January 2020. Data that underscores the importance of the measure taken today, which predicts an imminent end to the long drought.

The end of the drought is closer.

March's rainfall has been very abundant, and above average in many cases. The precipitation has hit the main headwaters of the inland basins, where more than 250 or 300 l/m² have already accumulated since the beginning of the month. A lot of water has suddenly arrived at the reservoirs, which together now exceed 57%. An extraordinary increase of more than 25 points in less than twenty days, and nothing like the fateful 14.41% at the beginning of last March.

This has been a major blow to the drought, which now appears to be heading towards its end. There's still the whole of spring to go, with long-term forecasts predicting more rain. The rivers maintain a good flow, the ground is soaked, and the Pyrenees remain laden with snow, with more than a meter accumulated at the highest elevations.

Reserves will continue to rise in the coming days, with water pouring in. But what level should we have to consider that spring has finally normalized the water situation in Catalonia? Well, to be on a good foot and face the summer with guarantees, we should be at mid-June with reservoirs at 75%. This is the figure typically left by spring rains. We're way down, but this year it seems this goal is achievable.

Beyond Baells, the Sau reservoir also stands out, having gone from 7% at the beginning of March to 55% currently. This weekend, the church of Sant Romà de Sau was already submerged under water, with only the bell tower remaining. A sight that hadn't been seen for a long time. Generally speaking, all the reservoirs have clearly improved their levels.

Will the fountains or showers on the beaches flow again?

Despite the clear improvement in reservoir levels and the end of the emergency, the Government remains cautious, and many municipalities are still on alert or exceptional drought status. However, according to the protocol, most municipalities, including those in the Barcelona area, could already be in pre-alert, the phase in which the drought indicator returns to green. A 60% reserve level is considered a normal scenario. Therefore, and considering that reservoirs are already approaching this level, we are on the verge of leaving behind most of the remaining restrictions.

During much of this drought, despite being historic, most municipalities have not implemented more restrictive measures regarding drinking water consumption. This has been thanks to the fact that half of the water we consume has been covered with desalinated or reclaimed water. We are now on the verge of normalizing the situation more than three years later. What will we notice when the government lifts the remaining restrictions?

For example, we'll see that water will once again be available in ornamental fountains and artificial urban lakes. Beach showers will also be turned on again, and private pools can be filled again. Furthermore, parks and gardens can be watered and streets can be hosed down. Remaining restrictions on agricultural irrigation and industry, as well as the 250 l/m² maximum daily consumption limit per inhabitant, will also be lifted. The countdown has begun for all this to become a reality.