The reservoirs are at 47.2 percent of their capacity after a slight increase, of 0.3 percent, in the last week, according to data from the Ministry of the Environment. The situation at the end of 2005 means that the outlook for agriculture and supply for 2006 is poor. Last year on this same date, the reservoirs were at 57 percent and stored 5,391 cubic hectometers more water, which did not prevent restrictions on agriculture and, in some areas, on consumption.

Last week’s rains left 12.5 liters per square meter, again below the historical average (14.5 liters for that week). The main problem facing the Environment Ministry is that the wettest quarter has passed without the reservoirs having recovered.

The basins with the least water are the Segura (at 11.4 percent of its capacity), the Júcar (20.7 percent) and the South (26.2 percent). The demarcations with the most water in reservoirs are the internal basins of the Basque Country (95.2 percent), Asturias and Cantabria (70.2 percent). The supply system to Madrid is at 38 percent, the reservoirs from which the Tagus-Segura transfer starts are at 12.5 percent and with only 71 hectometers transferable to the Segura.