Málaga’s seven reservoirs are heading into the rainy season in far better shape than last year, holding almost three times more water than they did in October 2024.
After several years of drought, last winter’s rainfall has helped stabilise levels across the province.
As of October 27, the reservoirs collectively hold 279.67 cubic hectometres (hm3) of water – around 45.7% of their total combined capacity of 611.48 hm3. A year ago, the figure stood at just 94.86 hm3.
Among those in best condition is La Concepcion, near Marbella and Istan, which is 60.8% full. Casasola in Almogia follows at 54.9%, fed by the Campanillas river.
El Limonero reservoir, which supplies the city of Malaga, stands at 54%, while Guadalteba – one of the largest – is at 50.6% of its 153.3 hm3 capacity.
Lower levels are seen in Conde de Guadalhorce (44.4%), La Viñuela (42.0%), and Guadalhorce (35.4%). La Viñuela, the largest reservoir in the province, plays a key role in irrigation and water supply across Axarquía.
Water levels have seen sharp increases compared to the same time last year. Guadalteba has risen from 17.1 to 77.5 hm3, Guadalhorce from 9.95 to 44.5 hm3, and La Viñuela from 22.1 to 69.1 hm3.
El Limonero has more than tripled its volume, now at 12.1 hm3 compared to 3.4 hm3. Casasola has gone from 4.6 to 11.9 hm3. La Concepción has climbed from 24 to 35 hm3, and Conde de Guadalhorce from 13.7 to 29.5 hm3.
Despite the overall improvement, recent months have seen little rainfall, and extended high temperatures have slowed progress.
However, forecasts from Spain’s meteorological agency (Aemet) suggest that levels could rise further.
Yellow weather alerts are in place for Wednesday across parts of Ronda, Costa del Sol and the Guadalhorce Valley.
Up to 60mm of rainfall is expected in 12 hours in some areas, with 25mm possible in a single hour.
