Winter sun seekers heading to Majorca are facing problems due to a “pre-alert” warning issued in major parts of the area as the island edges towards a drought weather.
Tourists have been warned following the latest figures from the Balearic Ministry of Sea and Water Cycle, according to local media reports. The data revealed that water reserves in the Balearics increased to 46 per cent in September, which was three per cent higher than in August – although it was six per cent below September 2023.
As stated in the Majorca Daily Bulletin, strict water management and rigorous monitoring have been declared essential by authorities, with emergency plans being close to being put into practice on the hit holiday spot. This increase is not evenly distributed, with two of Majorca’s seven water demand units particularly suffering, reports the Birmingham Live.
There are four status levels – from normality to emergency. Both units are on alert, which is one down from an emergency and a situation that requires activation of the special action plan for alert and possible drought.
These measures include restrictions on the use of water for gardens, for street cleaning, ornamental uses and beach showers.
The rest of Majorca and the Balearics remain on pre-alert for drought, as does the island of Formentera.
Responding, a local told the Spanish publication: “Infrastructure, Fancy trains and trams. Massive airport Thousand euro a night hotels. Roads and ports. Hydrogen busses Green hydrogen manufactured with renewable energy and transportation with a pipeline.
“But the most basic infrastructure of all? Water storage and distribution, without which all the above are surplus. Green hydrogen, needs good quality water for manufacture. And 12 million tourists just expect it. The torrent run off needs to be captured in cisterns agribusiness and other water intensive industries or the climate will certainly stop over tourism .”
New restrictions have been put in place in the Arta and es Pla areas of the island to limit water usage. The limitations are placed on watering gardens, cleaning the streets, use of fountains and beach showers (unless they are connected to desalination plants).
Spanish national officials have said that water reservoir levels in the country are due to rise in the next few weeks.
Don’t miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletterhere.