Severe consequences of severe drought in Catalonia, Spain

According to the international group Tasnim news agency, the German newspaper “Tags Shaw” in an article about drought severe in Spain and especially the Barcelona region and its consequences and wrote: In Barcelona, ​​prominent posters have written: “Drought! Help save water”.

For about three years that the rain in Catalonia has been low, which has had extensive consequences, especially for the tourism industry in this region. has declared a drought emergency. Tourists are now informed of this disorderly situation at the airport, subway and brochures in hotel rooms. Guests are advised to use a cup of water to brush their teeth and always use the flush button when flushing the toilet – if possible.

Read more Drought whispers It is heard in Barcelona. Water in this region is turning into future oil, a rare and expensive commodity, faster than expected. Catalan agriculture currently has to store large amounts of water. Trees and flowers are no longer allowed to be watered with potable water. The fountains and showers on the beach are off. Many hotels do not provide conditions for a full bath in the tub for their guests.

The Spanish Meteorological Organization has not yet given a final explanation for the continuation of this drought. One thing is clear: the greater Barcelona area has been without the winds that bring clouds and humidity for three years. Desalination plants around the city work continuously to make the sea water drinkable.

Warnings are also displayed on posters in holiday resorts on the Costa Brava, north of Barcelona. Save consumption with these slogans! No more water from the sky!”, hoteliers worry about the start of the holiday season. The pools are mostly still full from last year. But if the days get hot and the water evaporates, refilling is prohibited.

In the tourist area of ​​Lloret de Mar, hoteliers have now bought a desalination plant just for hotel pools for 1.5 million euros. “As long as there is a drought emergency, this is our only chance,” says Enrique Dutras, president of the hotel association. It is to keep the pools open. This operation is scheduled to begin in May. Other hotels have already informed their customers that the pools and wellness areas will be closed during the Easter holidays.

For some Environmentalists say the restrictions are not applied enough to tourists and they want more restrictions. “The price of water has increased by 30 percent since January,” says Dante Mascio of the organization “Aigua és Vida”. Citizens pay for the crisis, while tourism escapes unscathed. According to him, this can lead to social conflicts.

Barcelona is one of the hottest destinations for city trips in Europe. A major sporting event is also held in the region in the summer called the “America’s Cup”, a world championship. Mascio says then there will be even more tourists than usual, and one wonders where the water is going to come from.

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