Faced with water shortages, Catalonia is preparing to declare a state of drought emergency and fears the coming tourist season.
Catalonia prepares to declare a state of drought emergency
Barcelona’s water sources are empty and the municipality has already reduced water pressure in pipes for supply cuts.
Anna Barnadas, Secretary for Climate Action, Government of Catalonia: “In Catalonia we already have three basins in emergency situation since August and September, but now we are entering the area with the highest population in the region. “
Drinking water continues to flow from taps in Barcelona, but restrictive measures will be put in place.
In the emergency phase, every Barcelona resident will have access to 200 liters per daybut if nothing changes drinking water could run out.
Water intended for domestic consumption in Barcelona is insured. However, its use will be limited to 200 liters per day per capita in emergency phase one.
If nothing changes, by June, available water may not be enough to meet demand.
Anna Barnadas, Secretary for Climate Action, Government of Catalonia: “With the efforts made by people from all sectors and the population in general, we have managed to delay the state of emergency a little, and we hope that everyone will take responsibility for this action we must take as a country during this emergency.”
Jaime Velázquez, Euronews: “It would need to rain continuously for ninety days this spring to end the drought situation in Catalonia. A summer with restrictions is expected. It’s a particularly difficult situation in Barcelona with the arrival of three million tourists.”
The port of Barcelona is preparing to welcome tankers to supply the city.
On the other hand, the arrival of cruise ships is causing concern.
According to estimates, on these boats, each tourist consumes between 200 and 400 liters of water per day.
Jaume Osete, Stop Cruises Catalonia Platform: “It can happen that cruise passengers use water without any problem while the local population has their water cut off for hours.”
Drought affects the entire Mediterranean basin.
Like Catalonia, Andalusia plans to implement consumption restrictions during the summer.
Catalonia relies on desalination facilities to compensate for the lack of precipitation.
Plants like this provide 60% of the fresh water consumed in the Barcelona region.
Only a new culture of water consumption can guarantee the needs of Catalans. Because here, water doesn’t fall from the sky.