The salty water emerges from four springs located in the head of the valley, which is then diverted to numerous ponds and left to evaporate.

[2] During the 20th century, the lower cost of marine salt production resulted in the near abandonment of the facilities.

The oldest evidence of salt extraction at the valley dates from about 7000 years ago, in the Neolithic.

Salinas de Añana, a settlement which grew next to the valley, was granted town status in 1140.

The water channeling system was completely overhauled in 1801, improving the efficiency of salt production.