More rain, more reserves: Gorg Blau and Cúber are noticeably filling up

More rain, more reserves: Gorg Blau and Cúber are noticeably filling up

Weekend rain and snowfall in the Tramuntana have pushed water levels higher

In the early morning, when the coffee at Plaça Major still steams and the wind from the Tramuntana slopes sends a few damp clouds over Palma, a small sense of relief can be felt: the two large drinking-water reservoirs, Gorg Blau and Cúber, have gained noticeably in recent weeks.

The municipal utility Emaya published the latest measurements: on average the two dams now stand at 62.43 percent of their capacity. Specifically, Emaya reports 68.5 percent for Gorg Blau and 52.81 percent for Cúber.

The most recent rainfall over the past weekend and the snowfalls at the end of January have further strengthened the upward trend. Already on January 29 Emaya had given an average value of 60.33 percent; at that time Gorg Blau stood at 66.81 percent and Cúber at around 50.06 percent. Within a few days the levels had risen noticeably.

For Mallorca these are not just technical figures. Anyone travelling through the villages around Escorca currently hears more than just birdsong: conversations about full reservoirs mix with the usual everyday noise. Farmers, gardeners and the small bars along the country road have noticed that the landscape looks lusher again.

Gorg Blau and Cúber lie on the slopes of Puig Major in the Tramuntana mountain range and have been supplying Palma with drinking water since 1971. Gorg Blau has a water surface of about 60 hectares, with Cúber only slightly smaller at around 59 hectares. Both dams belong to the municipality of Escorca and are important buffers for the island's supply.

Why is this important for Mallorca? Full reservoirs primarily mean stability in the drinking-water supply for Palma and its metropolitan area. They also reduce, in the short term, the pressure to impose very strict restrictions immediately during dry periods. For gardeners and farmers every additional layer of rain or snow in the mountains is a small blessing because it supports groundwater levels and local spring inflows.

However, this does not mean that the water-saving plan can be shelved. The island remains climatically vulnerable, and supply security is becoming increasingly important. Simple everyday measures help: collecting rainwater, fixing dripping taps and watering more consciously can add up to make a big difference.

On the Tramuntana horizon the slopes are already looking greener again, and people walking along Passeig del Born talk about the weather and the good news. It is not a final all-clear, but a welcome interim step: the reservoirs are filling, and you can feel it — not only in the numbers but also in the island's atmosphere.

Looking ahead: If the wet phase continues, the situation will stabilise further. Until then it remains sensible to use local water supplies wisely and to adjust small habits so that Mallorca benefits from this rain and snowfall in the long term.