Costa News Spain – Malaga province dams release a large amount of water

The Junta de Andalucía has initiated controlled water releases from the La Concepción reservoir in Istán, which supplies Marbella and the Western Costa del Sol, to maintain safety levels as it nears 82 percent of its capacity. 

After years of drought, heavy rains have boosted the reserves in the area. This has led to a release of the pressure. The reservoir that can hold 57.54 cubic metres has reached 47 cubic metres, enough for the summer.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, announced the measure via social media, stressing that the action ensures that the reservoir does not exceed safety limits. Water Service of the Ministry oversees this routine operation after torrential rains. Recent rains have pushed the total hydrological year to 448.20 square meters, an increase of nearly 40 litres in one week.

Other than La Concepción, three smaller dams, the Guadalmansa, Guadalmina, and Guadaiza in Estepona and Marbella, are also opening the sluice gates to release water to manage inflows. Although the exact volume is not known, rivers downstream will see a difference.

The Junta described the releases as a necessary response to ‘system needs’ while storms continue. The Junta said that the releases were carefully monitored to balance flood prevention with important water conservation.