Assut de Xerta, Diversion dam in Cherta, Spain
Assut de Xerta is a diversion dam across the Ebre River near Cherta that redirects water for irrigation throughout the region. It distributes water through channels on both sides of the river to support farming in the Baix Ebre area.
The dam was built in medieval times and has been rebuilt and modified over the centuries to meet changing needs. In 2002, it received official recognition as a Cultural Asset of National Interest from the Catalan government.
This dam showcases traditional Catalan water management skills through its hand-built construction and design. It represents generations of knowledge about directing river flow for agricultural needs.
The best views of the dam structure can be seen from both riverbanks, where the water channels and distribution systems are clearly visible. Access is relatively straightforward since the site sits along the main route through the region.
The structure uses a system of ancient water channels that works entirely without modern pumps, relying only on natural slope to move water. This principle shows how engineers over centuries understood and used the river's natural geography.
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