In Spain, a river turned black due to ash from massive wildfires

In central Spain, large-scale wildfires have caused drinking water problems. In the town of Casavieja, the river and its tributaries have turned black due to ash and debris that heavy rains washed down from the burned areas.

This has forced local residents to rely on emergency supplies.

In the town of Casavieja (Ávila province), where swift mountain streams flow into the Tiétar River, the water turned black due to ash-laden runoff.

Residents were forced to collect drinking water from fountains and water trucks, while authorities distributed bottled water.

“For drinking, cooking, hygiene—for everything. Water… You only realize how essential it is when you lose it,” said local resident Miguel Ángel Pérez Sánchez.

Casavieja Mayor Vanessa Muñoz noted that the heavy rains exacerbated the effects of the fires: the water destroyed bridges and carried contaminated runoff into the reservoir, which serves as the city’s backup water source.

“The situation is critical primarily because contaminated water has entered the reservoir—our main source and emergency reserve in case of rain,” she said.

Water supply problems also arose in the neighboring town of Piedralaves. There, ash entered the water intake basins, after which local authorities declared the tap water unfit for consumption. Public utilities, together with the water supply company, are working to restore normal water service.

The affected area is located downstream from the site of a wildfire near Burgoondo (Ávila province). This is one of the largest wildfires in Spain this year: the fire destroyed 33,943 hectares of forest, accounting for more than 15% of the total area burned by fires across the country (according to data from the Spanish Ministry of the Environment).

José María Manso, mayor of the neighboring town of El Barraco, noted that ash and soil runoff could eventually end up in the El Burgillo reservoir—an important source of drinking water for surrounding communities.

This was reported by Reuters.

As a reminder, wildfires in Spain have claimed the lives of at least 12 people.

As a reminder, Spain accuses Germany of acting as a “vassal” of the United States. 

Trump announced the end of the ceasefire with Iran and his refusal to engage in negotiations.