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The Sau reservoir is empty, the Susqueda reservoir is going the same way and, on the other hand, the Pasteral reservoir is full to overflowing. At least not everything is empty and lost. There is hope, as seen in these photographs in La Vanguardia’s Readers’ Photos.
The Pasteral reservoir, along with those of Susqueda and Sau, unites the region of Osona with that of La Selva. The dam is located in the Pastoral neighborhood in La Cellera de Ter and the marsh also covers the territory of Amer, in a beautiful natural setting marked by the Ter river.
Although the Pasteral is small and does not stand out especially for its volume – it has a maximum capacity of 2 cubic hectometers of water – it does serve as a counter-reservoir for the Sau and Susqueda waterfalls to regulate the flow of the Ter River and supplies water drinking water to the city of Barcelona and other towns, in addition to contributing to the nearest irrigation system.
Its construction was commissioned by the textile company Burés i Salvadó in 1885, in order to supply electricity to the Anglés Textil factory, belonging to the Burés family, which was a short distance downriver.
The plant began operation in 1905, with an initial power of 1,600 steam horses, sufficient to provide electricity to the towns of Cellera, Anglès, Estanyol, Salt, Cassà de la Selva, Llagostera, Palafrugell, La Bisbal d’Empordà, Palamós, Calonge and Sant Feliu de Guíxols.
The reservoir also has recreational uses, since you can practice rowing, sailing and motor navigation at less than 3 knots speed. In addition, it is ideal for excursions, since the entire area surrounding the swamp is of interest for flora and fauna.
