Alarcón Dam, Gravity dam in Alarcón, Spain.
The Alarcón Dam is a concrete gravity structure spanning 317 meters across the Júcar River and rising to a height of about 67 meters. Behind the structure lies a large reservoir whose water serves both irrigation and power generation purposes.
Construction began in 1941 and was completed in 1952, with official inauguration three years later during Spain's period of industrial expansion. The project arose from the need to control water flow and generate electricity across the region.
The reservoir serves as a vital water source for the surrounding agricultural communities and shapes the rhythm of life across the region. Farmers depend on its carefully managed releases for their crops and daily operations.
Visitors can view the structure from several free viewpoints that offer good views of the dam and surrounding landscape. The best time to visit is outside peak afternoon heat, when it is more comfortable to explore the area.
The project was funded through investments by local farming organizations rather than solely by government resources, making it a rare example of community-driven infrastructure. This detail reveals how directly farmers shaped water projects for their needs.
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