Picture this: A shimmering expanse of water nestled within a protected natural space. This is the Embalse de El Pardo. It is more than just a reservoir. It is a place where history, ecology, and even a touch of political intrigue converge.
The Embalse de El Pardo sits within the Monte de El Pardo. It is Madrid’s largest district, Fuencarral-El Pardo. This reservoir belongs to Patrimonio Nacional. They manage the protected Monte de El Pardo. It also forms part of the Parque Regional de la Cuenca Alta del Manzanares.
Constructed on the Manzanares River, the Embalse de El Pardo also receives water from the Manina stream. This stream is a tributary. Its primary role is to regulate the canalization dams of the Manzanares. This happens as it flows through the capital.
Finished in 1970, during Francisco Franco’s rule, the Embalse de El Pardo features an earthen dam. This dam reaches a maximum height of 35 meters above the riverbed. Its crest stretches for 830 meters.
The Embalse de El Pardo occupies a long and narrow strip. It covers 550 hectares. The reservoir extends from near the boundary between Colmenar Viejo and Madrid. It stretches to a few kilometers before reaching El Pardo village and its cemetery.
With a storage capacity of 45 cubic hectometers, the Embalse de El Pardo has a gated spillway. This can discharge up to 750 cubic meters per second.
Interestingly, the Embalse de El Pardo’s construction aimed to prevent floods. The Manzanares River periodically caused damage in Madrid. Some floods even destroyed bridges. One bridge was the Puente Verde de la Florida.
However, the Embalse de El Pardo also impacted the river’s fish population. The river went from seven native species to just two, the common barbel and the Iberian nase. Exotic species like the northern pike were introduced. This aimed to compensate for a lack of predators. It had drastic consequences for the ecosystem.
Despite these effects, the Embalse de El Pardo has become a haven for water birds. Many overwinter or nest here. Notable species include the osprey, black stork, great cormorant, common crane, and black-headed gull. There are also various duck species and diverse fish and amphibian populations.
The Embalse de El Pardo is listed in the regional catalog of wetlands. It is recognized for its wildlife and landscape value.
Legend has it that Franco himself ordered its construction. He apparently wanted to ensure his golf course received enough water. It shows how political whims can shape landscapes. While its initial ecological impact was significant, the Embalse de El Pardo has evolved into a valuable habitat. The Embalse de El Pardo continues to serve its purpose regulating the Manzanares. It offers a green lung within Madrid’s urban sprawl.