Spain's Water Reserve Drops to 65.7%, Catalonia Faces Severe Drought

Spain's water reserve has fallen to 65.7% capacity, storing 36,829 hectometers cubed, following a particularly dry May and minimal rainfall in the Atlantic region. This situation has led to critical conditions in Barcelona and surrounding areas in Catalonia.

The drought in Spain has significant implications for the country's economy, environment, and population. If not addressed, it could lead to severe water shortages, crop failures, and disruptions to daily life, seriously impacting the well-being of millions of people.

Catalan authorities are expected to declare a drought emergency, reducing the daily water allowance for residential and municipal purposes from 210 to 200 liters per person. This emergency declaration will also significantly cut water allocations for crop irrigation by 80%, for herd animals by 50%, and for industry by 25%.

The region has been under rolling water restrictions for several months, including bans on watering lawns, filling private swimming pools, and washing cars. Municipal governments are also prohibited from using drinking water to clean streets. Further measures may include keeping public pools empty and allowing indoor pool managers to top up water levels only if they save an equivalent amount through other means.

Catalonia has managed to avoid more severe restrictions on account of its desalination and water regeneration systems, which now account for 55% of all water use in the region. Spanish authorities are investing millions of euros to expand or build new desalination plants along the coastal areas most affected by the drought.

Experts attribute the worsening drought conditions to climate change, with the Mediterranean region expected to warm at a faster rate than many other parts of the world in the coming years. Annelies Broekman, a specialist in water management at the Barcelona-based CREAF research institute, points out that the region is experiencing an increase in the intensity and frequency of droughts.

Both Catalonia and southern Spain's Andalusia region are preparing to import water by boat if necessary this summer, an expensive option that officials acknowledge would have a limited impact.

The ongoing drought has also impacted tourism, particularly in the Costa del Sol region, where new rules surrounding pools have led to concerns among tourist rental owners. Samantha Austin, representing around 50,000 tourist flats on the coast, said, "I have many clients waiting to hear from me as they're deciding whether to come or not. If there is no pool, they are going to change their destination this year. We are having cancellations and we are going to have more."

The Junta de Andalucía's drought regulations limit the filling of private swimming pools and the watering of gardens. Local councils in the Costa del Sol and Malaga city currently ban the use of drinking water to fill pools, requiring the use of raw water from wells or groundwater, which must be filtered, resulting in pool closures for 24-72 hours.

Authorities have allowed the opening of swimming pools in public sports and health centers, hotels, and campsites in time for the busy summer period. However, some towns and villages have introduced night-time limits on water supply and water pressure, affecting tourist accommodations.

The next meeting of the authority will set the water use rules for the upcoming holiday season. A protest was held in Malaga last week, calling for an easing of the drought regulations.

Spain's water reserve has dropped slightly to 65.7% capacity, storing 36,829 hectometers cubed, following a dry May and minimal rainfall in the Atlantic region. The Andalucia region is still suffering from a long-term drought, despite recent rainfall.

Key Takeaways

• Spain's water reserve falls to 65.7% capacity due to dry May and minimal rainfall.
• Catalonia declares drought emergency, reducing daily water allowance and allocations.
• Drought attributed to climate change, with Mediterranean region warming faster.
• Tourism impacted, with pool restrictions and cancellations in Costa del Sol region.
• Authorities consider importing water by boat, a costly and limited solution.