# Vigo and Xunta de Galicia water management dispute

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/vigo-and-xunta-de-galicia-water-management-dispute
> Updated: 2026-08-28T10:00:25.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

A jurisdictional and political dispute has emerged between the Vigo City Council and the Xunta de Galicia regarding water resource management and infrastructure needs.

Vigo Mayor Abel Caballero has called for the construction of a new reservoir upstream of the Eiras reservoir on the Oitavén river to increase storage capacity against prolonged droughts. Caballero argues that current capacity threatens local economic stability and criticized regional projections that delay water supply resolutions until 2070. This proposal has faced opposition from the Mayor of Ponte Caldelas, who advocates for technical studies on existing infrastructure issues, such as silt accumulation and water loss, before pursuing new construction.

In response to claims of mismanagement, the Xunta de Galicia’s Regional Minister for the Environment, Ángeles Vázquez, rejected the Mayor’s assertions. Vázquez clarified that while the regional government handles resource planning and specific infrastructure exploitation, the provision of potable water is a municipal competence. The Xunta accused the Mayor of “theatricalizing” the situation and urged the local government to pursue co-governance rather than political disputes.

## Claims

- Vigo requires a new reservoir upstream of Eiras on the Oitavén river to combat droughts. (single source)
- The new dam proposal is included in a study jointly funded by the Xunta de Galicia, the Spanish Government, and the Vigo City Council. (single source)
- The Mayor of Ponte Caldelas criticized Abel Caballero for proposing the reservoir without consulting neighboring municipalities. (single source)
- Technical studies are required to determine the actual capacity of the Eiras reservoir and address existing water losses and siltation. (single source)
- The Xunta de Galicia's timeline of 2070 to resolve water supply needs is unacceptable. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-28: Vigo Mayor calls for new reservoir to combat drought

Vigo Mayor Abel Caballero is demanding a new reservoir on the Oitavén river to prevent drought-related shortages, facing criticism from neighboring officials over lack of consultation.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vigo-mayor-calls-for-new-reservoir-to-combat-drought

### 2026-08-28: Xunta de Galicia disputes Vigo Mayor over water management responsibilities

The Xunta de Galicia has rejected claims by Vigo Mayor Abel Caballero regarding water management, asserting that potable water supply is a municipal responsibility and clarifying payment terms for neighboring B

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/xunta-de-galicia-disputes-vigo-mayor-over-water-management-responsibilities

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Cite as: Vigo and Xunta de Galicia water management dispute. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/vigo-and-xunta-de-galicia-water-management-dispute