Ever wonder where Madrid gets its water? The answer lies partly here at the Confederación Hidrográfica del Tajo. This organization manages the Spanish part of the Tagus River basin. It plays a vital role in ensuring water for millions.
The Confederación Hidrográfica del Tajo is not just a building. It is an entity responsible for the hydrological planning. It manages resources and protects the public water domain. They grant rights for private water use. It also controls water quality.
Spain pioneered the study of hydrological problems. Back in the mid-19th century, they aimed to use scarce water resources wisely. In 1865, they created the Hydraulic Divisions. The first Water Law came in 1866.
The Confederaciones Hidrográficas were created by Royal Decree on March 5 1926. The decree outlined their functions and organization. The goal was to build necessary hydraulic works. Spain lacked these at the time. That same year, the first two were created. They were named Confederaciones Hidrográficas Sindicales. One was in the Ebro and another in Segura.
The Hydraulic Divisions still existed. This was even where new Confederaciones appeared. They regulated legal and administrative matters. The Confederaciones handled infrastructure construction. This supported both state projects and municipalities. They also aided irrigation communities.
In 1985, the Water Law created new basin organizations. They kept the old name. On January 1 1986, they integrated the Water Commissariats.
The Tagus basin covers 55,645 square kilometers in Spain. It spans five autonomous communities. It includes twelve provinces. Madrid, Toledo, Guadalajara and Cáceres are provincial capitals within the basin.
In 1902, a national plan included irrigating 181,850 hectares in the Tagus basin. By 1933, very little work had been done. Only the El Burguillo and Charco del Cura reservoirs had been built. These mainly generated hydroelectric power. They regulated the Alberche River. This allowed some irrigation in Talavera de la Reina.
A new plan reduced the irrigable area to 110,000 hectares. This was due to a planned transfer to the Levante area. Resources would come from surplus water in the basin. Planning for water use began. The Spanish Civil War interrupted it. Development started again after 1940.
The Tagus River has seen many droughts. One in 224 BC lasted 26 years. It caused widespread ruin. A great drought in 680 depopulated central Spain. From 707 to 709, a severe drought caused famine and disease. Half the population died. A long drought from 846 to 877 dried up sources. Crops failed and livestock died.
Before regulation, the Tagus rivers often flooded. These caused great damage and loss of life. The Tagus in Aranjuez and Talavera de la Reina were most affected. The Jarama River in San Fernando de Henares also flooded. So did the Tiétar and Alagón rivers.
The Confederación Hidrográfica del Tajo runs environmental education programs since 2010. Around 31,000 people have participated in over 1,200 activities. They offer school contests. One is called “I explore my river: my nearby water treasure”.
The Confederación Hidrográfica del Tajo also has environmental education centers. One is the Tagus River Interpretation Center in Zaorejas.
So, as you stand here remember the Confederación Hidrográfica del Tajo. It works hard to manage water. It strives to balance needs. This ensures that Madrid and surrounding areas have water. They plan for the future. They protect our resources.