Dry dam

Category: Civil Architecture > Dam

District: Santarém > Benavente > Santo Estêvão

Location

The 'Barragem seca' (Dry Dam) is located in the Santo Estêvão area, which belongs to the municipality of Benavente. It is situated on the Ribeira do Vale Cobrão, serving as a landmark in the local landscape and giving its name to the surrounding area.

Characteristics of the Structure

This engineering structure, built in 1982, is of the embankment type, meaning it was primarily constructed with compacted earth. It rises approximately 14 meters above the natural ground at its highest point and extends for 510 meters along its crest. Its size gives it a prominent presence in the landscape.

The Reservoir and its Function

The Barragem seca's main objective is the creation of a reservoir for irrigation purposes. When it reaches its maximum capacity, it forms a body of water that can cover a considerable area, up to approximately 1.1 square kilometers, storing a significant volume of water essential for the region's agriculture. However, as its local name suggests, the water level can vary substantially throughout the year, potentially appearing with low water levels or even completely dry at certain times, thus altering the landscape's dynamics.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt