On March 26, 2025, Belén Benito, the Director of Operations at Canal Isabel II, made a notable appearance on the popular Spanish television program 'La Revuelta'. In a groundbreaking moment for prime-time television, Benito shared her extensive knowledge about water management and reservoirs, marking the first time an engineer specializing in civil engineering has been interviewed on a show of this caliber. David Broncano, the host, introduced her with high praise, stating, "This person controls everything. She works at the Confederation of the Duero and Ebro and knows a lot about reservoirs."
During her segment, Benito gifted Broncano a bottle of water sourced from Madrid, emphasizing the quality of water available in Spain. "Not everyone has access to this," she remarked, highlighting the general excellence of water across the country. She noted, "The water in Spain is fantastic everywhere, it is very safe. I am from Valencia, and when I go there, I drink tap water." This moment not only showcased the importance of water but also added a personal touch to her appearance.
Benito discussed the current state of Spain's reservoirs, which are currently at a 71% fill level, thanks to the recent heavy rains that have replenished supplies after a period of drought. However, she urged caution, stating, "We are all very calm. We shouldn’t think about restrictions or importing water due to droughts. For example, in Bilbao, they were transporting water by boat from one city to another. But we shouldn't become complacent. Every drop counts." This phrase, "Cada gota cuenta," resonated throughout her interview, serving as a reminder of the need for responsible water usage.
She explained the critical role her team plays in managing the water supply, particularly during intense rainfall. "We need to calculate how long it will rain and how much water will enter. We have reservoirs partially empty at this time of year. If a lot of water comes in, we need to take measures, such as opening a gate," she elaborated. This careful management is essential to prevent flooding and ensure that the water supply remains stable.
The discussion took a light-hearted turn when Broncano asked Benito about her personal finances. She confidently replied, "I don’t have trouble making ends meet or worrying about the first days of the month." When the topic shifted to her sex life, she joked, "Let’s see... I spend all day with reservoirs, opening and closing valves... I haven’t had time for anything." Her candidness added a relatable element to her professional persona, further engaging the audience.
Benito's expertise and dedication to her field were evident as she navigated the complexities of water management. She explained the process of desalination, stating, "Desalinated water is produced by pushing seawater against a membrane with high-pressure pumps." This insight into the technical aspects of her job highlighted the importance of innovation in addressing water scarcity.
As the segment progressed, Broncano and Benito maintained a playful banter, with the host humorously suggesting they shouldn't waste water despite the recent rains. Benito reinforced this message, saying, "Let’s not waste water just because it has rained a lot. That is not the mentality we should have. We need to save every drop possible because we don’t know when we will run out." Her emphasis on conservation was a crucial takeaway from the interview.
Benito's appearance on 'La Revuelta' comes at a time when the program is striving to regain its audience share, having recently achieved a 14% rating with 1.846 million viewers. While it still trails behind its competitor 'El Hormiguero', which garnered a 15.1% share, the inclusion of knowledgeable guests like Benito is part of the show's strategy to attract viewers interested in informative content.
Throughout her career, Benito has demonstrated a commitment to improving water management in Spain. After graduating in 1990 in Civil Engineering, specializing in hydraulics and energy from the Polytechnic University of Madrid, she went on to complete her doctorate in Soil Mechanics in 1992. She joined Canal Isabel II in 2000 and was appointed Director of Operations in 2014. Her expertise has been recognized with accolades such as the Medal of Professional Merit from the College of Civil Engineers, Channels, and Ports in 2016.
Reflecting on the recent heavy rainfall, Benito shared that at one point, the Lozoya reservoir experienced an inflow of 715 cubic meters per second, enough to fill an Olympic swimming pool every four seconds. However, thanks to meticulous management, only 75 cubic meters per second were released, preventing potential disasters. "There was no flooding," she noted, underscoring the importance of careful water management.
As the segment concluded, Benito expressed gratitude to her team at Canal Isabel II, stating, "I want to greet the Canal de Isabel II team, the reservoir team, who have been working hard this month." She highlighted the dedication of the 90 individuals responsible for managing the vital resource that is water, emphasizing its importance in daily life.
In a world increasingly challenged by climate change and water scarcity, the insights shared by Belén Benito on 'La Revuelta' serve as a vital reminder of the importance of responsible water management and conservation. Her expertise, combined with her approachable demeanor, makes her a significant figure in the ongoing conversation about water sustainability in Spain.
