Reservoir of Mequinenza, Reservoir in Mequinenza, Spain
The Reservoir of Mequinenza is a large body of water created by a dam across the Ebro River, stretching across a wide area. The water reaches considerable depths in many places and creates an open expanse that changes with the seasons.
Construction of the dam began in 1957, and the reservoir started operating in 1966. The project was part of Spain's broader plans to develop water management across the northeast.
Locals call this body of water the "Mar de Aragón," meaning it has become woven into how people think about the landscape. The name shows how much this reservoir matters to the region's sense of place.
The reservoir has several access points around its perimeter and can be explored from different locations depending on where you are. Keep in mind that water levels vary with the seasons and water demands, which affects the shoreline and how close you can get to the water.
The dam has massive spillway gates that can release enormous amounts of water when needed. These rarely operate because they are mainly used only in emergencies or during extreme flooding.
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