Dropping water levels are causing a crisis in Spain's northeastern Catalonia region, with authorities responding with water rationing.
what happened?
As explained in Catalan news, the Catalan government announced in April that water restrictions would continue during the summer season as the drought emergency continues. The decision comes as a result of recent heavy rains in March, allowing Catalonia to avoid a planned move into a Level 2 drought emergency for Spain's Tel Llobregat water system, which serves Barcelona and the metropolitan area. It was done even though it could have been done.
Recent data released by the Catalan Water Authority revealed that the Tell Llobregat water system's reservoirs currently reach 17.8% of their capacity, up from 16% in March.
This rain will leave water withdrawal restrictions as they are, as government spokeswoman Patricia Playa said after an ongoing drought conference: “It will be no more, but no more.” There was enough rain to keep it going. But the government warned that this did not mean the “extreme drought” situation was nearing an end.
“Although we continue in level 1 of the emergency plan for most of the territory and there is no need to introduce new restrictions, we must continue to recognize that the situation and water levels in our reservoirs remain at very low levels.” Playa added.
Why is this a concern?
The Catalonia region is an attractive tourist destination due to the popular beach area of the Costa Brava and has a reported population of 7.7 million people. This region includes Barcelona, Spain's second largest city.
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Difficulties in predicting when rain will hit the region make it difficult to determine when water restrictions will be lifted.
“It is difficult to predict when the drought emergency will be lifted,” said Josep Vidal, the climate secretary.
Spain is not the only country relying on water rationing, Colombia too after it was revealed last month that the three reservoirs that supply 70% of the capital Bogotá's water were at 16.9% capacity. It is reported that a rationing system has been introduced. El Niño weather phenomenon at the end of 2023.
Although such extreme weather phenomena have existed for a long time, the ongoing climate change issue has significantly increased their occurrence. Reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and other environmentally harmful gases will go a long way toward reducing the likelihood of these dangerous climate changes.
What can we do about this?
For now, the Catalan government is proceeding with water restrictions already in place. This includes the exclusion of sailing tank boats carrying water and the closure of swimming pools under the current circumstances.
“We are studying it because each town is asking for permits, and we understand that because of the climate emergency, climate refugees such as swimming pools have to be planned,” Vidal said. he said.
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