The Sindicato Central de Regantes del Acueducto Tajo-Segura (SCRATS) warns of delays to irrigation water deliveries as a result of a fault on the canal of the Trasvase Tajo-Segura. According to the association, some of the total 70 cubic hectometres allocated for 2026 may not reach farmers in time by 31 December 2026 . On 2 November, the association’s second vice-president, Fernando Rubio, called for clear prioritisation and planning of the outstanding deliveries.
The responsible Comisión Central de Explotación decided at the end of October to partially recommission the first section of the canal and approved a volume of 54 hm³ for October and November 2026. Depending on operational capacity, this means that some of the requested quantities can be delivered. At the same time, the authorities are maintaining a cautious operating regime, as several damaged sections need to be secured and repaired.
According to official information, repairs are focused on sections near La Bujeda (Guadalajara province) and Liétor (Albacete province). Technical assessments put the target for completing the more extensive work at “mid-February 2027”. Until then, pumping capacity will remain reduced, and household supply will take priority; deliveries to agricultural users will have to be scheduled accordingly. In this context, SCRATS criticises what it sees as a lack of clarity in communications about the scale and order of allocations.
The minutes of the Comisión Central de Explotación show that the partial reopening of the canal enabled the release of 54 hm³ for October and November 2026. How much of the outstanding volume will actually arrive by year-end depends on the stability of temporary operations and progress on the work. The association notes that planning certainty is needed, particularly for irrigation in the regions of Murcia, Alicante and Albacete, to avoid damage during the current growing season. The authorities, on the other hand, stress that safety requirements and technical considerations determine the pace of repairs.
What is undisputed is that on 2 November SCRATS highlighted the risk that some of the 70 cubic hectometres of irrigation water might not be delivered on time. At the same time, partial recommissioning has taken place, and work on the damaged sections at La Bujeda and Liétor is continuing, with completion targeted for “mid-February 2027”. Forecasts of the final volume delivered by 31 December 2026 therefore remain uncertain.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).