Intense rainfall has brought the Casasola Reservoir in Málaga to a critical point. What started as a seasonal weather event quickly turned into a major infrastructure emergency. Crews are now working around the clock on emergency works to protect both the dam and surrounding areas.
A Race Against Time for Drainage Repairs
Following a series of severe storms, the Casasola Reservoir emergency works began immediately. Water levels rose rapidly, placing dangerous pressure on the dam’s drainage system, especially the bottom drains.
These underground channels are designed to release extra water safely. But over time, sediment buildup and aging parts reduced their effectiveness.
Now, with nearly a third of the reservoir’s storage compromised, authorities had no choice but to activate emergency repairs.
Why Bottom Drain Repairs Are Critical
The bottom drains at Casasola Reservoir are essential for flood prevention and pressure control. If blocked, overflow becomes harder to manage, which can damage the dam or even threaten communities downstream.
Currently, one of the two key drains hasn’t worked in years. The second remained operational until the recent storms pushed it to the brink. Without working drains, the reservoir emergency became unavoidable.
Emergency Works at Casasola Reservoir in Progress
Earlier this month, teams began a targeted effort to fix the Casasola Reservoir’s drainage system. Heavy machinery was brought in to access deep structures. Engineers are also evaluating the dam for hidden cracks or faults.
The work focuses on three main tasks:
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Clearing sediment from the blocked drain
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Reinforcing damaged valves and piping
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Improving surface water control to handle future rainstorms
So far, progress has been steady but delicate. Every action must balance urgency with worker and public safety.
Long-Term Solutions Needed Beyond Emergency Repairs
These emergency works at Casasola Reservoir highlight a larger issue. Experts have warned for years that the dam, built decades ago, needs major modernization. But budget constraints and delays pushed critical repairs off the table—until now.
Now, Málaga water authorities must decide: fix what’s broken or overhaul the entire system? Experts say emergency work helps now, but isn’t enough for long-term safety.
What the Casasola Reservoir Crisis Means for Málaga
Casasola is key to Málaga’s water supply and flood prevention systems. It helps regulate river flow and provides water during dry periods. If it fails, both rural farms and urban neighborhoods could face severe consequences.
This event is also a wake-up call. Other old dams across the region may be at risk too. A wider review of all provincial reservoirs is urgently needed.
Next Steps in Casasola Reservoir Emergency Works
Authorities hope to complete the Casasola Reservoir emergency works within the next few weeks, weather permitting. Once the drainage system is back online, experts will conduct a full inspection to assess further needs.
Local officials are also calling for national support and funding. They argue that proactive maintenance is far more effective—and cheaper—than future emergencies.
For now, all eyes remain on Casasola. With more rain expected, each day counts.
