Pantano de Elche

Parks and Nature

Originally it was built to retain the waters of the avenues of the Vinalopó river, habitual in torrential rains, and take advantage of these waters for use in irrigation. It has been these avenues that, throughout the life of the dam, have been responsible for filling it with sediment, reducing the water retention capacity and forcing several cleanings to recover the capacity. In 1995 it burst the regulating gate, causing a large avalanche of sludge that contributed to emptying the dam. In September 2007, the dam's rehabilitation work began in order to retain water again, to create a natural marjal landscape, in which vegetation and fauna are created. In March 2008, the dam begins to retain water after a period of almost 13 years abandoned. It is currently recognized as a Cultural Interest Asset by the Valencian Generalitat.