Swamp of Beniarrés

The state-owned Beniarrés reservoir began its construction in the 40’s with the aim of watering the orchards and, fundamentally, the existing orange groves in the Safor region. It has a dam of gravity of 53 meters of height and a sheet of water of 260 hectares, that allows him to embalm until 31 Hm3. The spillway, with flood gates, allows to drain up to 1000 m3 per second.

Upstream of the reservoir, the strong population and industrial settlement (textile and paper mills) causes high levels of pollution in its waters and sediments, so the reservoir has very high levels of eutrophication, anoxia (absence of oxygen) and even acid fumes in the summer. It is estimated that 80% of the flow that reaches the reservoir comes from upstream wastewater treatment plants, and although there is a water purification plan, it seems that this does not show how effective it would be expected. For this reason, the Hydrographic Confederation of the Júcar (CHJ) has repeatedly requested an Environmental Audit of its waters and sediments, as well as to prepare a Program of actions with the aim of achieving, within the term, the objectives that Directive 2000/60 / EC on the quality of water resources.

The natural environment, however, is very pleasing to the eye, a reason that reinforces the conviction that the area of ​​influence of the reservoir has an enormous potential tourism and sports. We are confident that CHJ will become aware of the risks to public and environmental health of the contamination levels achieved and assume its responsibilities with the speed and diligence that would be desirable from an environment ministry. From the Tourist and Medi Ambient Council of Beniarrés City Council there is a firm commitment to demand that it be so.