Catalonia Faces Water Crisis: Strict Restrictions Imposed as Reservoirs Deplete

A severe drought has prompted Catalonia to declare a drought emergency in 24 municipalities, urging residents to curtail water usage. The prolonged lack of rainfall over the past 30 months has critically lowered reservoir levels. The Darnius Boadella reservoir, for instance, is only at 20% of its capacity.

Local resident Artur Duran remarked on the unprecedentedly low water levels, recalling times when the water was deep enough for sailing just two years ago. Now, the reservoir’s exposed shores are becoming makeshift sunbathing spots and sparse grassy areas.

This dire situation has led to new water consumption restrictions in 22 villages surrounding the reservoir. Furthermore, Spain experienced its driest start in the first four months of 2023 since record-keeping began in the 1960s. The regions of Catalonia and Andalusia have been particularly hard-hit. This drought has been compounded by several heatwaves across Spain and Europe, which intensified water evaporation and usage.

Approximately 25,000 residents in the affected areas are now required to limit their water consumption to a daily average of 200 liters per person, a drop from the previous 230 liters. While there’s no immediate restriction on water for human consumption, agricultural watering is largely prohibited, and industrial and recreational water usage must be cut by 25%. The village of Agullana has already taken measures to further conserve water, eliminating irrigation in various communal areas and resorting to dry sweeping instead of street cleaning.