Storm Therese Causes La Encantadora Dam to Overflow, Boosting La Gomera Agriculture
Storm Therese has caused the La Encantadora dam in La Gomera to overflow, providing a vital long-term water supply for local farmers and the island's ecosystem.
Storm Therese has brought welcome relief to La Gomera, with local media reporting that the La Encantadora dam in Vallehermoso has overflowed. This rare event, which hasn’t been seen on this scale in years, provides a vital boost for the island’s farmers, securing a long-term water supply for local crops.
The dam, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023, is the island's third-largest reservoir, holding approximately 750,000 cubic meters of water. Located near La Rosa de las Piedras, it serves about 450 agricultural users and has become an important ecological site. The reservoir provides a crucial refuge for migratory birds, such as ducks and moorhens, that rely on this artificial habitat during their travels.
Public authorities have regularly invested in the dam to ensure it remains safe and functional. The most recent project in 2019, costing nearly 100,000 euros, included repairs to the retaining walls, improvements to the paving, and upgrades to the nearby recreational area. Such maintenance is essential in the Canary Islands, where managing water resources is key to both environmental sustainability and the survival of traditional farming.