* The author is part of the community of readers of La Vanguardia
I wanted to portray the Sau reservoir for La Vanguardia’s Readers’ Photos in a series of black and white photographs that highlight the drama of the drought reflected in this reservoir.
Both the Sau reservoir and the neighboring Susqueda reservoir drink from the Ter river, but, due to the drought, water has been transferred from one to the other to prevent it from spoiling for consumption.
And the Sau reservoir has been presenting such a low level of reserves (around only 1%) that it has brought out mud that can affect the quality of the water.
The reservoir, inaugurated in 1962, covered the town of Sant Romà de Sau, the remains of which, especially the temple’s bell tower, are visible when the water level is low, like this winter. The Romanesque church was built in the 11th century. Now the cemetery, the ruined houses, the old mill and even the Gothic bridge can be seen a little.
The reservoir, located in the municipality of Vilanova de Sau, is at the foot of the Guilleries massif. It is part of a system of three swamps, together with those of Susqueda and Pasteral, which unites the counties of Osona and La Selva.