itaipu ·
Itaipu opens spillway for 3rd time in 2026; Iguazu Falls flow increases 6×
Marco Três newsroom · edited by Annie GrellmannPortuguêsEspañol
Heavy rains force maneuver and close park walkway in Foz do Iguaçu
Itaipu Binacional activated its spillway in the early morning of Sunday (September 13) in Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná, Brazil, to control reservoir levels following heavy rainfall in the basin. Water flow at Iguazu Falls exceeded 8.5 million liters per second — six times above the average of 1.5 million.
The operation began at 1:50 a.m. with the opening of the left channel, initially releasing 1,700 cubic meters of water per second. Less than an hour later, the volume was increased to 3,100 cubic meters, with a forecast to reach 3,800 cubic meters at peak afternoon before reducing by day's end. According to Itaipu Binacional, spillage continues until hydrological conditions allow the gates to close.
This is the third spillway opening in 2026 — the two previous ones occurred between late June and mid-July. The plant operates on a "run-of-river" model, with limited storage capacity, requiring excess water to be discharged when incoming volume exceeds generation and consumption capacity.
At Iguazu National Park in Foz do Iguaçu, the walkway providing access to the Falls was preventively closed since Friday (11) due to high water flow. According to park administration, the structure will reopen only when water volume recedes and safety conditions are fully restored.
Frequently asked questions
- Why does Itaipu need to open the spillway?
- The plant operates on a “run-of-the-river” model with limited storage capacity. When inflow to the reservoir exceeds the plant’s generation and consumption capacity, the excess must be released through the spillway.
- When will the Falls walkway be reopened?
- Park officials say the walkway will be reopened when water levels recede and safety conditions at the site are fully restored. No specific date has been announced.
- What is the normal flow of the Falls?
- The normal average is 1.5 million liters per second. On Sunday (the 13th), flow reached 8.5 million liters per second, according to Copel monitoring.
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