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Watersheds

Muga, Ter and Segre

MEDACC uses the watershed as reference unit for the analysis and the development of the project actions. The watersheds have been chosen to represent the Mediterranean diversity at a local scale, including a wide range of topographic, climatic and environmental conditions, and land uses. Besides, all these watersheds present a wide variety of water uses and consumptions but share a structural water deficit in the supply of all demands.

This pressure on water resources will be aggravated in the future due to climate change and, thus, it is imperative to prepare natural and human systems through the design of adaptive measures.

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Muga

758km² Mainly influenced by Mediterranean conditions
11225ha Irrigated surface
71% Forests
24% Crops

Water demand

Crops consume 75% of the watershed water demand whereas urban users consume 20%, with a population of 140.000 inhabitants. Muga River is mainly stressed by irrigation collections threatening the alluvial groundwater recharge and the river ecological stream flow.

Protected areas

L’Albera, Alta Garrotxa, Salines-Bassegoda protected areas and the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà Natural Park are located within the limits of the watershed.

Segre

13000km² It is the largest river of Catalonia and a tributary to Ebro River
140000ha Irrigated surface
63% Forests
34% Crops

Water demand

This watershed is highly stressed by agricultural demands, approximately the 95% of total water demands. It affects the river ecologic status and groundwater quality.

Protected areas

Important protected areas such as Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, Cadí- Moixeró or Alt Pirineu Natural Park are located within the watershed.

Ter

2955km² It contributes to Barcelona water supply
32390ha Irrigated surface
75% Forests
19% Crops

Water demand

The river supports, together with Llobregat River, the water supply of the Metropolitan Region of Barcelona. More than 50% of the renewable water resources of Ter River are transferred to Barcelona every year. Water demand is mainly for urban users (74% in 2007). The current situation frequently implies the non-accomplishment of the ecological flows defined for the low part of the river.

Protected areas

The protected area Montgrí, Illes Medes i Baix Ter Natural Park is located in this lower part within the watershed. Currently, the Catalan government is working in the creation of a new natural park in Ter headwaters.