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Date Published: 15/05/2025

Málaga towns backtrack and reintroduce water restrictions

Several towns along the Axarquía coast have decided to keep beach showers switched off this summer

Just days after the toughest of the water restrictions were lifted in Málaga, Axaragua, the public water company of the Axarquía Community, has recommended that the municipalities on the Axarquía coast (Rincón de la Victoria, Vélez-Málaga, Algarrobo, Torrox and Nerja) switch on only the footbaths and keep the beach showers closed this summer.

The local councils have agreed to follow this advice and review the water situation further down the line.

The recent storms have provided a huge boost to Málaga’s reserves, especially the eastern region, the hardest hit by the drought. Currently, the La Viñuela reservoir is at 50.30% of its capacity (83 cubic hectometres). As a result, the Andalucian government has green-lighted removing most of the water restrictions, which includes allowing beach showers once again.

But Axarquía is choosing to take a more cautious approach.

“The Viñuela Axarquía system remains in a state of severe shortage, but we're doing better than last summer. While we're facing a more optimistic scenario for the summer season and the end of the hydrological year, we must be responsible and continue to safeguard our water resources. We don't know how the autumn and winter will behave hydrologically,” Jorge Martín, president of the Association of Municipalities of the Costa del Sol (Axarquía), said earlier this week.

"Axaragua have recommended that beach footbaths only be opened during the summer as a preventative measure. The situation in the Viñuela Axarquía system has improved compared to last year, but it remains severely short. Therefore, we believe the showers should remain closed as an act of responsibility," Mr Martín added, but assured that drinking fountains equipped with automatic on/off valves will be switched on.

It’s important to note that the Axarquía and Axaragua communities are advising, not imposing, measures. Even so, coastal municipalities will, as a matter of principle, follow the recommended guidelines, for the time being at least.

Also of interest: Spain's beach showers could be drying up for good... and not everyone minds

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