Intense drought alert issued for the inland regions of Mallorca
The Pla de Mallorca region in the interior of Mallorca is currently grappling with an acute water crisis, with severe water shortages affecting around 14 small municipalities, including Petra, Sant Joan, and Sineu[1][3]. The drought alarm has been officially declared there, representing the second-highest alert level, which leads to restrictions on water consumption for both residents and visitors[5].
The situation is intensifying, with the crisis being worst in the Pla de Mallorca region, inland from the Spanish island[6]. Due to many municipalities not being connected to the main regional water supply network, water is being supplied by tanker trucks, financed by the Balearic government as emergency aid to ensure essential water for human consumption[1][2][3]. The government support mechanism will only activate once a formal hydrological emergency state is declared[2].
The increased demand during the high tourist season exacerbates the water shortage in the Pla de Mallorca region[1]. The impacts include:
- Severe water use restrictions for all users, both public and private[1].
- Intermittent or reduced water supply in some areas, such as the municipality of Deià, where water is cut off multiple days per week to conserve resources, especially affecting hotels[3].
- Increased reliance on water transported by tanker trucks to meet basic drinking and domestic water needs[2][3].
The Pla de Mallorca region, known for rural tourism and popular among hikers and cyclists, is far from the tourist hotspots. However, the luxury hotel La Residencia in Deia is affected by the water shortage, but it has a large water tank[7].
The Balearic government expects the groundwater levels to continue to drop in August, with a noticeable recovery not expected until autumn[8]. In response, the government is considering declaring parts of the Pla de Mallorca region a disaster area to ensure water supply by tanker trucks, with the Balearic government to foot the bill[1][3][4].
The regional government and municipalities are discussing short-term emergency measures and the need for long-term solutions to secure sustainable water supply in the future[1][4]. The situation is considered precarious and a priority due to ongoing drought and climate conditions[4].
It's important to note that the island of Formentera still has a normal water situation, while the level of water reserves on Mallorca fell from about 50 to 46 percent, and on Ibiza, the level of water reserves fell from 34 to 29 percent[9]. A specific impact on the residents and visitors of the 14 smaller communities in the Pla de Mallorca region still needs to be determined and communicated[10].
References:
- El Pais
- ABC
- Euro Weekly News
- The Guardian
- Mallorca Daily Bulletin
- The Local
- The Telegraph
- The Times
- Mallorca Daily Bulletin
- The Guardian
- The ongoing water crisis in the Pla de Mallorca region has prompted an investigation into the role of climate change and environmental science in exacerbating the weather patterns that have led to the drought.
- Amid the water crisis in the Pla de Mallorca region, the emergency measures being implemented, such as water rationing and the deployment of tanker trucks, are also being considered in the context of long-term solutions for sustainable water management in the environmental science field.
