The Llobregat River Valley and Watershed in Barcelona, Spain

Spain’s deficient water management practices manifest themselves in the Llobregat watershed near Barcelona. This valley provides fertile ground for PhD research on water resource management in arid climates. The Llobregat River is Catalonia’s largest river, stretching from the Pyrenees mountains to the Mediterranean Sea just south-east of Barcelona. It ends in a flat and agriculturally rich delta that has provided food for Barcelona residents for centuries. The Llobregat Valley has historically connected Barcelona and coastal cities to the Catalan hinterland. Today, the banks of the lower Llobregat River are filled with industrial uses, freeways, railways, and major urban infrastructure. Approximately 50 kilometers upstream, salt mines have heavily polluted the river. The saltwater oozes into the Llobregat River from flooded mines and rainwater that washes away salt mountains left in the open air. The salinization of the Llobregat River has been an issue that Catalans have been dealing with for decades (Esteban & Prat 2006). In addition to killing aquatic life, the salt water has increased water treatment costs. Downstream Barcelona depends on the Llobregat River for drinking supplies. The water treatment process to remove the salt leaves a poor taste, making Barcelona’s tap water unpalatable.

The restoration of the Llobregat River valley is a priority for the Barcelona Metropolitan Region (Forman 2004). The river valley has tremendous potential to be a new recreation area for Barcelona residents and visitors. As a first-class European city, Barcelona has been held up as an architectural gem. Yet at the same time, Barcelona has turned its back to the industrial corridor of the Llobregat River Valley.