Catalonia, facing severe drought conditions, is contemplating imposing water restrictions on tourists visiting the driest regions, the Catalan government revealed. Under the proposal, if municipalities fail to curb domestic water consumption by residents for three consecutive months, a restriction of 100 litres per tourist per day for hotel use would be enforced.
Concerns Over Tourist Water Usage
With tourism accounting for nearly 12% of Spain’s economy, there’s mounting pressure from water conservationist groups to limit water consumption by tourists during the drought. Reports indicate that average water usage by tourists in Barcelona in 2022 was approximately 163 litres per day, rising to over 240 litres for luxury accommodations.
Exemption for Swimming Pools
Despite proposed restrictions, swimming pools have been exempted from the measures. The Catalan government has designated them as ‘climate refuges,’ allowing for the refilling of privately-owned pools during severe droughts to provide residents with relief from the heat.
Adjustments to Drought Restrictions
Additionally, the government has made adjustments to drought restrictions to accommodate private desalination installations, a move advocated for by hotel owners. These modifications aim to balance water conservation efforts with the needs of both residents and tourists.
Ongoing Efforts Amidst Drought Conditions
Despite recent improvements due to a wet spring, Catalonia maintains water restrictions declared in February as part of its response to what authorities term a historic drought. These measures include significant reductions in water usage across various sectors, such as crop irrigation, animal husbandry, and industry, underscoring ongoing efforts to manage water resources amidst challenging climatic conditions.
SOURCE: Ref Image from The Washington Post
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