Starting this Monday, the El Atazar reservoir is releasing water through its upper spillway as it has reached its maximum storage level of 425 cubic hectometers. This is the third time this has happened since its inauguration in 1972 and has not occurred since May 1991. The first instance was in July 1988. «It is an exceptional, beautiful sight that will only be visible for a few days,» emphasized the President of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso.
For this reason, the meeting of the Government Council, chaired by the regional executive president, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, was held in an extraordinary manner at the facilities of this public infrastructure, where they observed firsthand this water discharge that is expected to continue for several more days.
El Atazar is the largest reservoir in the Community of Madrid and provides 46% of the water supply to the residents of Madrid. Since March, Canal’s technicians have been carrying out controlled discharges, although not continuous, through its intermediate drain. Currently, through its three openings (spaces that allow the passage of water), it is releasing a flow of approximately 3 cubic meters per second into the Lozoya River channel.
Concurrently, the regional government is planning, for this legislative term in the municipality of El Atazar, the renovation of the entire water supply network of the municipality through the Red Plan, managed by Canal de Isabel II, with an investment of 740,000 euros. This project will cover a three-kilometer stretch.
Current level of the 13 reservoirs of Canal de Isabel II
-Pinilla: 91.8% and 34.9 hm3
-Riosequillo: 96% and 48 hm3
-Puentes Viejas: 84.1% and 44.5 hm3
-El Villar: 101.6% and 22.8 hm3
-El Atazar: 100.3% and 426.3 hm3
-El Vado: 92.5% and 51.5 hm3
-Pedrezuela: 93.6% and 38.3 hm3
-Navacerrada: 85.9% and 9.5 hm3
-Santillana: 97% and 88.5 hm3
-Navalmedio: 72.3% and 0.5 hm3
-La Jarosa: 87.4% and 6.3 hm3
-Valmayor: 98.4% and 122.4 hm3
-La Aceña: 100.3% and 23.8 hm3
More than 112 liters per square meter in April
The report on the hydrological situation of the 13 reservoirs of Canal de Isabel II also reveals historical data on the water contributions received during the previous month of April. A quantity of 112.3 liters per square meter was recorded, 84% higher than the historical average for the same period. Likewise, for this month of May, it is expected to be 78 liters per square meter, 29% higher than the average.
The forecast for the first eight months of the hydrological year, which began in October 2024, is 769 liters per square meter, 48% higher than the historical average (520.8 l/m2). With these reserves, water supply is guaranteed for a long season, but despite this, the public company emphasizes the need for responsible water use and conservation of this resource.
Actions to ensure hydrological safety
Additionally, Canal de Isabel II has carried out nearly 250 actions in the dams so far this year to ensure their safety, regulate river flow, and mitigate the effects of floods. Decisions on these maneuvers, including the opening or closing of gates or the variation of released flows, are made by analyzing flow measurements, weather forecasts, statistical data, and operational models of each dam.
Moreover, the heavy rainfall has also impacted wastewater treatment. In March, the treatment plants processed 61.49 million cubic meters, the highest amount in a single month in Canal’s history. In April 2025, they treated 54.24 hm3, marking the third-highest amount of water treated in a month in history.
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