Zadorra

Zadorra (Basque: Zadorra ibaia) is a river in northern Spain. It is a tributary of the Ebro River, and its drainage basin lies mainly in the Basque Country’s Álava province and parts of Castile and León. The river’s course runs through rural valleys and urban areas, including the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz, which lies on the Zadorra and relies on the river for municipal water.

Hydrology and human use: A network of reservoirs along the Zadorra forms an important water supply system for Vitoria-Gasteiz and surrounding municipalities. The river also supports agricultural irrigation in its basin. Reservoir construction and the regulation of flow have shaped the river’s hydrology, particularly during the 20th century, when water management became a priority for urban and agricultural needs.

Ecology and landscape: The Zadorra basin encompasses riverine habitats, farmland, and forested areas representative of northern Spain. Riparian vegetation and associated fauna are typical of the region, though land use changes from reservoir development and urbanization have altered some natural features.

Geography and significance: The Zadorra ultimately flows into the Ebro, contributing to the larger Ebro basin. The river has influenced local settlement patterns and regional water management, and it remains an integral part of the hydrography and urban infrastructure of the Álava region.