Larger reservoirs in Spain

Larger reservoirs in Spain

By Dr. Kyle Muller

The largest reservoirs in Spain are: La Serena reservoir, Alcántara reservoir, almond reservoir, Buendía reservoir, Mequinenza reservoir, Cijara reservoir, Valdecañas reservoir, Ricobayo reservoir, Alarcón reservoir and Iznájar reservoir.

Spain has more than 350 reservoirs and water storage systems that play a very important role in the management of water resources in the country to supply the population, as well as in the production of hydroelectric energy.

If you want to meet 10 of the larger reservoirs in Spainknowing where they are and what are its main characteristics, do not stop reading this interesting ecology article in which we explain it to you in detail.

La Serena Reservoir

The La Serena reservoir is located in the Badajoz province And it is the largest reservoir in Spain and the third largest reservoir in Europewith the ability to house 3,220 cubic hectometers water. This reservoir was built in 1989 with the purpose of regulating the flow of the Zújar River and for the irrigation of the surrounding lands, as well as for the production of hydroelectric energy. In addition to these functions, it is also used for recreational activities such as fishing, navigation, swimming and tourism.

Larger reservoirs in Spain - La Serena reservoir

Alcántara reservoir

Located in the Province of CáceresIn Extremadura, it is one of the largest reservoirs in Spain, with a storage capacity for 3,162 cubic hectometers. Is found in the Tajo Riverbeing the main purpose of the reservoir the river regulation and for the production of hydroelectric energy. The reservoir environment is picturesque and attractive for nature people, and in it you can enjoy different recreational activities such as tourism, fishing or navigation, among others.

Larger reservoirs in Spain - Alcántara reservoir

Almendra reservoir

Located in the Salamanca provincein the Autonomous Community of Castilla y León, this reservoir is one of the largest in the Iberian Peninsula, with a capacity to 2,648 cubic hectometers and is known for its hydroelectric energy generation capacity. It extends by 8,650 hectares of surface through which the natural channel takes place the Tormes River. In addition, the Almendra reservoir is of great importance, since it is used for the water supply for the irrigation of the area. The reservoir environment and the same reservoir offer numerous opportunities for tourism and outdoor recreation.

Bigger reservoirs in Spain - Almendra reservoir

Buendía reservoir

Reservoir located between Provinces of Cuenca and Guadalajara with a water reservoir capacity of 1,638 cubic hectometers. Next to the Bolarque, Zorita, Almoguera and Entrepeñas reservoirs, the so -called Mar de Castilla. The reservoir regulates the Tajo RiverIt serves as a water supply for the irrigation of the area, for the production of electricity and for recreational use.

Biggest reservoirs in Spain - Buendía Reservoir

Mequinenza reservoir

Also called Mar de Aragón, it is located in the Zaragoza provincein the Autonomous Community of Aragon. This reservoir is the largest in the basin of the Ebro Riverwith a ability to 1,530 cubic hectometers and is known for its importance in navigation and fishing. The Mequinenza reservoir built in 1960, was intended to regulate the Ebro River, the production of electricity and supply water for irrigation in the area. In addition, it is an important source of drinking water supply for some of the populations found in their area of ​​influence.

Bigger reservoirs in Spain - Mequinenza reservoir

Cijara reservoir

It is located in Extremadura, located between the Provinces of Cáceres and Badajozwithin the National Cijara Hunting Reserve, and can store until 1,505 cubic hectometers water. This reservoir has different recreational areas, mainly nautical activities in summer; as well as infrastructure such as car parking lots and snacks with barbecues. In addition, it is habitats of species such as deer, gamos, otes, eagles, partridges, lynx, wild boars, among other common species in the area. Among its vegetation we find forest and Mediterranean thickets, although eucalyptus and pines can also be found.

Larger reservoirs in Spain - Cijara reservoir

Valdecañas reservoir

This reservoir has an area of ​​7,300 hectares, being one of the largest reservoirs in the basin of the Tajo Riverwith an ability to 1,446 cubic hectometers. Under its waters, bronze age deposits with a dolmen that can be visible when water lowers. It was built as most reservoirs for rivers regulation, electric production and water supply for irrigation.

Larger reservoirs in Spain - Valdecañas reservoir

Ricobayo reservoir

Also known as Ricobayo Salto, it is located in the Zamora provincein Castilla y León, this reservoir is one of the largest in Spain with a capacity to 1,200 cubic hectometers And it is part of the basin of the Duero River. This reservoir is a very important project for the production of electricity being part of the Saltos del Duero system along with the infrastructure installed in Aldeadávila, Almendra, Castro, Saucelle and Villalcampo.

Biggest reservoirs in Spain - Ricobayo reservoir

Alarcón reservoir

The Alarcón swamp is located in the high course of the Júcar riverin the Cuenca province. The capacity of this reservoir is 1,112 cubic hectometersand has a hydroelectric plant. However, its construction was proposed by the Valencian irrigators for the regulation of the river, and the supply of irrigation. This officially begins in 1942 and ends in 1970.

Larger reservoirs in Spain - Alarcón reservoir

Iznájar reservoir

Located between the provinces of Córdoba, Granada and MálagAy belongs to the Guadalquivir Hydrographic Confederation. Has a capacity to 981 cubic hectometers and is one of the largest reservoirs in Andalusia. The water that reaches this reservoir comes from Genil River.

Now that you know the largest reservoirs in Spain, you may be interested in these articles on the advantages and disadvantages of hydraulic energy and what are natural and artificial water reserves.

Biggest reservoirs in Spain - Iznájar reservoir

If you want to read more articles similar to Larger reservoirs in Spainwe recommend that you enter our category of other environment.

Kyle Muller
About the author
Dr. Kyle Muller
Dr. Kyle Mueller is a Research Analyst at the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department in Houston, Texas. He earned his Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from Texas State University in 2019, where his dissertation was supervised by Dr. Scott Bowman. Dr. Mueller's research focuses on juvenile justice policies and evidence-based interventions aimed at reducing recidivism among youth offenders. His work has been instrumental in shaping data-driven strategies within the juvenile justice system, emphasizing rehabilitation and community engagement.
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