 The river has its source in the karstic hills of Montes del Somo, near Merindad de Valdeporres.Most of the Nela's water is drawn by the "Trasvase Cerneja-Ordunte" to supply water to Bilbao, as well as irrigation.There are fishfarms in Busnela and Pedrosa de Valdeporres, as well as a hydroelectric complex in Nofuentes.