Catalonia has taken a historic step towards water safety and risk prevention. The Sau reservoir in the Osona district has become the first reservoir in Catalonia's internal river basins to officially activate its Emergency Plan, marking the start of a roll-out that will reach more key infrastructure in 2025 and 2026.
This milestone was made possible by the strategic partnership between the Catalan Water Agency (ACA) and the Cardoner–Lafcarr joint venture, responsible for deploying and building the integrated warning and management system.
What does a reservoir Emergency Plan involve?
Reservoir emergency plans are designed to protect lives in the event of dam breaks, overtopping or structural failures. They include:
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📢 Audible warning sirens to alert the public quickly.
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🗺️ Flood zone maps and evacuation routes.
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🧭 Response protocols for the first 30 critical minutes.
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📊 Integration with real-time remote control and monitoring systems.
Sau: first deployment, first success
Three high-power sirens have been installed at the Sau reservoir, strategically located in Vilanova de Sau and Osor, and have already been successfully tested in sound drills, as highlighted in TV3's coverage.
The system is complemented by 24/7 remote control connected to the Civil Protection Coordination Centre (CECAT), ensuring an immediate response in an emergency.
📰 Read the official news on 3cat.cat
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Sirens installed by Lafcarr in Vilanova de Sau, the first phase of the hydraulic early warning system.
Technology and integrated management with iDAM
In this project, Lafcarr has provided not only the warning infrastructure but also its iDAM technology platform, which enables:
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🔎 Continuous monitoring of hydraulic and weather parameters.
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📈 Real-time map display showing risk zones.
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🗂️ Digital management of the emergency plan with technical sheets and protocols.
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⚙️ Full integration with ACA and CECAT for decision-making.
Thanks to iDAM, the Sau reservoir now has a complete solution that automates, displays and executes every step of the protocol quickly and with full records.
Investment and regional expansion
The project is funded with an investment of €3.8 million from the Catalan Water Agency (ACA), co-financed by the European Union's ERDF funds. Following the successful activation at the Sau reservoir, the ACA has confirmed that the model will be extended to other strategic reservoirs in Catalonia's internal river basins.
The next reservoirs to implement emergency plans with the same technology will be:
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La Baells
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Foix
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La Llosa del Cavall
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Darnius Boadella
These roll-outs will follow the same technical approach: audible warning systems, remote monitoring and digital risk management through platforms such as iDAM.
All are expected to be fully operational during 2025 and early 2026, creating a pioneering water safety network in Europe.
Lafcarr is ready to support this expansion with its own technology, proven experience and a firm public commitment.
Key advice for the public
In a reservoir emergency:
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Head for high, safe ground.
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Keep away from rivers, streams and flood-prone crossings.
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Follow Civil Protection instructions.
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Only use the phone for real emergencies.
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If you are at home, turn off the electricity and gas before evacuating.
A safer future starts with technology
This emergency plan is not just a protocol: it is a new culture of prevention, resilience and smart action against water risks. At Lafcarr we are proud to be part of this leap forward, contributing technology, engineering and social commitment.
📩 Want to know how to implement an emergency plan or warning system at your infrastructure?
👉 Contact us and we will advise you.
Works carried out by Lafcarr in a joint venture with Cardoner, as part of the Catalan Water Agency project.
