Catalonia Faces Worst Drought on Record, Barcelona May Need Water Shipped In

As reservoirs dwindle to 18% capacity, authorities prepare for potential full-blown drought emergency.

Catalonia is experiencing its worst drought on record with reservoirs at just 18% of their capacity, compared to Spain's overall reservoir capacity of 43%.
Barcelona, Spain's second-largest city, may need to have fresh water shipped in by boat in the coming months.
Barcelona has been relying on Europe's largest desalination plant for drinking water, and a sewage treatment and purification plant to compensate for the drop in water from wells and rivers.
Catalonia has entered the 'pre-emergency' phase for drought, reducing daily water use per person from 230 to 210 liters.
If water reserves fall below 16% capacity, Catalonia would enter a full-blown drought 'emergency', further reducing water usage and requiring prior approval for all agricultural irrigation.