Pantà de Rialb, Stausee in Spanien
Pantà de Rialb is a large reservoir located in the Alt Urgell and Noguera regions, formed by damming the Segre River and its tributaries the Rialb and Ribera Salada. The dam stands 101 meters tall, was filled starting in 1999 and officially opened in 2000, serving as the main water source for agriculture and about 80 local communities.
Planning for the dam began in the 1960s but faced decades of delays due to local opposition and environmental concerns. Construction started in 1992, filling began in 1999, and the official opening occurred in 2000, requiring the relocation of about 300 residents from flooded villages.
The reservoir's name comes from the Rialb River, one of its main water sources. Several villages were relocated when the dam was completed, and new settlements were built nearby to house displaced residents, reflecting how the water infrastructure shapes community life in the region.
The reservoir is surrounded by hiking trails and provides access to fishing, canoeing, and canyoning at nearby gorges such as Barranco del Boter with its tall waterfall. An artificial mountain beach with bathing areas, picnic spots, and parking nearby offers family-friendly options for relaxing and swimming.
The village of Tiurana was partly flooded when the reservoir was created, and residents rebuilt it nearby while preserving old stones and statues from the original settlement and creating a water-powered sculpture to commemorate their history. This moving installation stands as a touching reminder of how the community honors its past.
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