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Catalonia Declares Drought Emergency, Imposes Water Restrictions

As reservoirs hit historic lows, Catalonia limits water use to combat severe drought, affecting millions including Barcelona.

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View of La Baells reservoir, which is only at 21 percent of its capacity, near Berga, north of Barcelona, Spain, Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024. Barcelona and the surrounding area of Spain's northeast Catalonia are preparing to face tighter water restrictions amid a historic drought that has shrunk reservoirs to record lows. Catalonia has recorded below-average rainfall for 40 consecutive months. Experts say that the drought is driven by climate change and that the entire Mediterranean region is forecast to heat up at a faster rate than many other regions in the coming years. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
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Overview

  • Officials in Catalonia have declared a drought emergency, with reservoirs serving 6 million people at under 16% capacity.
  • Daily water allowance for residential and municipal purposes is now limited to 200 liters per person.
  • Barcelona combats drought by reducing tourist water consumption and preserving trees, including measures to optimize groundwater use.
  • Catalonia boosts desalination and water purification to avoid shortages, now accounting for 55% of water use.
  • Rural areas suffer as water restrictions slash supplies for livestock and crops, with some towns relying on tanker trucks for water.