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Date Published: 07/06/2024

Beach showers and foot baths switched off this summer in the Costa del Sol

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The water will be shut off at all 41 Blue Flag beaches in Málaga due to extreme shortages

Beach showers and foot baths switched off this summer in the Costa del Sol

Although heavy rainfall in March helped alleviate the drought crisis somewhat, the Costa del Sol continues to face severe water scarcity issues. The situation is especially problematic in Axarquia and Málaga city, along with most of the western strip, so the authorities have made the decision to cut off water supply to all beach showers and foot washing stations in these areas from June 1.

Earlier this year, many councils across Andalucía implemented water restrictions such as banning filling swimming pools and setting drinking water limitations. Many of these have since been lifted, but so severe is the problem in Málaga that the decision has been made to scrap beach washing facilities.

This means that throughout the summer, the supply of water to showers and foot baths will be switched off in 14 coastal municipalities, which includes all of the Costa del Sol’s 41 newly awarded Blue Flag beaches. However, water supply companies have agreed not to include washing facilities for people with reduced mobility.

In Málaga city, showers will only be available this high season at the beaches of Misericordia, Malagueta and El Dedo.

Somewhat ironically, in the city, the beach showers and foot washing taps only actually account for 0.24% of the overall water usage. But the idea is to make residents and tourists more aware of the water crisis and to encourage them to cut down on consumption in general, rather than making any real savings.

Unlike last summer, showers will still be permitted in sports centres and public swimming pools since they’re considered necessary for hygiene.

In Málaga, the following water restrictions will also remain in place for the foreseeable future:

Filling existing swimming pools with drinkable water is not allowed unless it’s for new construction or renovation projects
Cleaning vehicles is only permissible at authorised car washing centres
Watering lawns with drinking water is restricted
Ornamental fountains should not operate unless they circulate recycled water within a closed system
Golf course irrigation with drinkable water is strictly prohibited
Refrain from washing patios and terraces using potable water

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Image: Freepik

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