The Sau reservoir in central Catalonia has surged to nearly 90% capacity, an extraordinary recovery after years of severe drought that saw the iconic submerged church tower fully exposed for the first time in decades.
The dramatic turnaround follows Catalonia’s wettest winter in three decades, with sustained rainfall across the inland river basins feeding the Ter system that supplies much of Barcelona’s metropolitan area. The reservoir, which dropped below 10% during the worst of the drought crisis, has been climbing steadily since late 2025.
The recovery is welcome news for Barcelona residents who faced water restrictions during the crisis, including limits on garden watering, car washing, and the filling of swimming pools. The Generalitat progressively lifted restrictions as reservoir levels improved, though officials have urged continued conservation.
The Sau reservoir, located in Osona county north of Barcelona, is one of Catalonia’s most symbolically important water stores. Images of the medieval church of Sant Romà de Sau emerging from the receding waters became an international symbol of the Mediterranean drought emergency.
Water authorities say that while the current levels provide significant breathing room, long-term infrastructure investments including desalination and water recycling remain essential to protect Barcelona’s supply against future dry spells.
