Date Published: 11/10/2024
Water restrictions increased on the Costa del Sol
Residents of Malaga will be confined to 180 litres per person per day
After a brief respite, water restrictions are back in force on the Costa del Sol, affecting residents in Malaga and the surrounding areas of the Axarquía. The Drought Management Commission has imposed new measures to conserve water from this week, limiting daily consumption to 180 litres per person in some areas.
The restrictions are a response to the ongoing drought in the region, exacerbated by a lack of rainfall since Easter. The Guadalhorce-Limonero reservoir, which supplies water to Malaga, is in a state of emergency, while the Viñuela system is below the threshold for serious shortage.
According to the authorities, limiting the amount of water households can consume will guarantee a supply for everyone even if the dry spell continues. Farmers will also face irrigation restrictions, and other activities, such as filling swimming pools and watering gardens, will continue to be curtailed.
These are the new water consumption limits:
- Malaga and Axarquía: 180 litres per person per day
This restriction applies to the municipalities of Almáchar, Benamargosa, El Borge, Comares, Cútar, Iznate, Macharaviaya, Moclinejo, Rincón de la Victoria, Vélez-Málaga, Totalán, Algarrobo, Torrox and Nerja
- Campo de Gibraltar (Algeciras, Los Barrios, Castellar de la Frontera, Línea de la Concepción, San Roque, Jimena de la Frontera and San Martín del Tesorillo) and Western Costa del Sol (Benahavís, Benalmádena, Casares, Estepona, Fuengirola, Manilva, Marbella, Ojén, Torremolinos and Mijas): 200 litres per person per day
- Unregulated areas in severe shortage: 200 litres per person per day
Agricultural irrigation:
- Campo de Gibraltar: irrigation volume limited to 4 hm3 for the hydrological year 2024-2025
- Guadalhorce-Limonero system: irrigation volume reduced to 6 hm3 in the event of a serious shortage
- Underground resources will be maximised for urban supply
Swimming pools and green areas:
- Public swimming pools can be filled up, but private pools must meet specific requirements and obtain approval from the Water Authority
- Irrigation of green areas will use non-potable water when available, and water suitable for human consumption will only be used when absolutely necessary.
The Andalucían Government is also promoting the use of desalination plants and non-conventional resources to supplement the water supply.
The new measures will be reviewed at the beginning of 2025, depending on the hydrological situation. Residents are encouraged to conserve water and adapt to the new restrictions to help mitigate the effects of the drought.
Image: Freepik
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