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Date Published: 03/04/2024

Andalucia to ease water restrictions following Easter rains

Rules forbidding people to fill up swimming pools in the southern Spanish region and plans to import water by boat may be partially scrapped

Following the significant rainfall brought by storms Mónica and Nelson during Semana Santa, Andalucía is set to become more flexible with regard to its water restrictions. The Junta de Andalucía, the regional government, has announced plans to relax the current restrictions on water consumption, with a focus on ensuring adequate supply for domestic use while also benefiting sectors such as agriculture and industry.

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Carmen Crespo, expressed optimism regarding the region’s water situation following the recent increase in dammed water. With water reserves now reaching around 40% of the region’s total capacity, Crespo emphasised the potential for improvement. However, she highlighted the unequal distribution of rainfall across the region, particularly favouring the western areas.

While she acknowledged the relief that has been provided by the rains, Crespo warned that they are not a permanent solution to the water scarcity issue. However, she indicated plans to adjust current water consumption restrictions, with average consumption levels potentially increasing from 160 litres per person per day to a range of 180 to 225 litres per person per day.

Pool filling and summer demands

In addition to easing consumption restrictions, the relaxation of prohibitions on filling private and community pools will be considered, particularly in tourist-heavy areas like the Costa del Sol, where the population surges during the summer months. The decision will be discussed in upcoming drought monitoring committee meetings.

Water coming in by ship

Crespo also “ruled out”, for now, the possibility of desalinated water being shipped to Andalucía on tankers from Cartagena, a measure which was being considered if the drought got much worse.

Image 1: Archive

Image 2: Junta de Andalucía

staff.inc.and

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