Garganta Rio Tajo Valdeca?As De Tajo Pm1

Spain River 3 - Sufficient

Cuernacabras is a natural bathing gorge located on the Tajo River in Valdecañas de Tajo, Extremadura, Spain. The site is characterized by a single-channel sinuous riverbed with sedimentary substrate composed mainly of pebbles. The bathing area has grass-covered banks with planted shade planes and Canadian poplars, surrounded by natural riparian vegetation including alders, willows, reeds, and brooms. The gorge is altered by a removable-gate weir and reinforced margins. The area serves as a recreational swimming destination during the official bathing season.

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Water

Gorge of the Tajo River, a low-mountain Mediterranean siliceous river. Single-channel sinuous riverbed with sedimentary substrate of pebbles. Catchment area of 165 km². Mean annual discharge approximately 0.993 m³/s. Monthly average flows during bathing season: June 0.993 m³/s, July 0.406 m³/s, August 0.217 m³/s, September 0.191 m³/s. Extreme flows between 1976 and 2016 range from 0.1 m³/s (annual minimum) to 3.04 m³/s (annual maximum).

Location

Valdecañas de Tajo, Cáceres province, Extremadura, Spain. From Valdecañas de Tajo, take road CC-148 towards Higuera; the access to the natural pool is approximately 2.5 km away. No parking facility available.

Facilities

Toilets available. Bar/chiringuito available. Recreational areas available. No parking, no rescue posts, no informational signs, no showers, no pools, no boat ramp, no recreational zone, no trash bins, no water fountains. Domestic animal access status not available.

Season

16 June to 22 September. Annual bathing season published by health authorities on http://nayadeciudadano.sanidad.gob.es/

Water Quality

Water body classified in good or better ecological status. Microbial monitoring conducted between 2017 and 2020 tracked Escherichia coli and intestinal Enterococcus concentrations. Diffuse sources of pollution include livestock farming (cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, equines, poultry) in surrounding municipalities and agricultural activities (dryland crops, orchards, olive groves, agroforestry systems). Point source identified: self-contamination from bathing area users.

Risks

Accidental or illegal discharges, dead animals, organic waste, and resuspension of sediments/muds identified as potential short-duration contamination risks. Livestock farming in the catchment area represents a diffuse contamination source.