The Llobregat deserves a special mention because of its importance: its basin covers most of the province of Barcelona.
It source is in the Pyrenean Serra del Cadí in the municipality of Castellar de n'Hug (Berguedà) and its valley is one of the main north–south communication routes in Catalonia.
The main economic importance of the Catalan rivers is probably the role of their valleys as communication routes, particularly through the Coastal and Prelitteral Ranges.
Irrigation is important in the drier areas of Catalonia, notably in the Central Depression and in the south.
Irrigation is also important in the comarques of Baix Ebre and Montsià, where the cultivation of rice is widespread.