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Water crisis in Mallorca: municipalities activate water supplies

Mallorca currently endures severe water shortage, leading to stringent conservations measures for both locals and visitors.

Mallorcan towns activate water supply due to water scarcity
Mallorcan towns activate water supply due to water scarcity

Water crisis in Mallorca: municipalities activate water supplies

Mallorca, the largest island in the Balearic archipelago, is currently grappling with a severe water crisis. The island has experienced unprecedented drought this summer, with rainfall levels plummeting drastically.

In June, Mallorca received an average of only 0.2 liters of rain per square meter, a stark contrast to the norm of 16.7 liters. This drought has particularly affected the municipalities along the Tramuntana mountain range, including Deià and Sóller.

Residents of affected houses and apartments in Deià are already feeling the impact, forced to buy water from tanker trucks or rely on their own tanks. In Sóller, the municipal water reserves are enough for approximately ten more days, and further restrictions are expected to begin in the coming week.

Last Friday, a new city ordinance with austerity measures was announced in Sóller. Pools cannot be filled with water from the public supply, gardens cannot be watered, and cars, boats, and terraces cannot be washed, unless for hygiene or safety reasons. The water supply has been completely turned off in certain neighborhoods in the municipality of Deia on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Mayor Miquel Nadal of Deià has announced further austerity measures if it doesn't rain. The water levels in the wells are alarmingly low, and the reservoirs Gorg Blau and Cúber are filled to only 30.98% of their total capacity.

The current daily water consumption in Sóller exceeds what can be drawn from the surrounding sources in the Tramuntana mountains. This has led to the temporary interruption of the water supply in Sóller, with residents and tourists also expected to experience this inconvenience in the near future.

The government expects a noticeable relief on Mallorca only in the fall, when the rains are expected to return. Until then, residents and visitors are urged to conserve water as much as possible.

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