Temporary water disruptions in Mallorca addressed by authorities
In the heart of Mallorca's capital, Palma, the municipal water utility company, Emaya, is addressing two leaks on main water supply arteries since August 4th. This measure, aimed at addressing the ongoing drought and increased demand linked to population growth and tourism during the summer months, has led to temporary water disruptions in various parts of the city and some areas of Deya.
The affected zones include the Son Moix stadium, the residential area between it and the Viá de Cintura, the Policlinica Miramar, the Son Dameto neighborhood, and the vicinity of the Sant Ferran barracks. Streets such as Joan Gris, Salvador Dali, Joan Ripoll i Trobat, and the roundabout leading to Dragonera street have also been impacted.
Llorenc Bauza, the president of the water board Emaya, has assured that water supplies are guaranteed throughout the island during the entire holiday season. However, he admitted that data for the summer months are worse than those for the winter due to lower rainfall and increased population.
The first water main breakdown occurred on Camí de La Vileta, on the slope of the Ring Road (Ma-20), causing water to accumulate in the right lane toward the airport. Emaya teams are working intensively in the affected areas to restore power as quickly as possible.
In response to the water cuts, which are scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, the restrictions primarily target domestic consumption, while non-essential uses such as watering gardens and filling swimming pools remain prohibited to conserve water.
The second water main breakdown was recorded on a section of the Western artery, in the Genova area of Palma. However, it's important to note that the power outage in Genova did not affect the water supply in the area.
The Deya council has shut off the water supply in some areas of the municipality, including La Residencia hotel and areas in s'Empeltada, ses Coves de can Puigserver, la Cala, Llucalcari - including the Costa d'Or hotel - and some zones across the road to Soller, on the same days as the water cuts in Palma.
The municipal company Emaya has highlighted the collaboration received from the Mallorca Council's Road Service, the Traffic Department, and the Palma Local Police, with technical teams from Emaya's Urban Quality Department and the Mallorca Council's Road Service working to drain and clean the affected lane on the Via de Cintura.
These interruptions impact both residents and tourists, including those staying at significant hotels like La Residencia, by limiting their water availability on specific days, potentially affecting their daily activities and operations. The ongoing drought and resulting water restrictions underscore Mallorca’s vulnerability to climate variations and highlight the challenges in managing water resources amid rising tourism demands.
Despite the challenges, both outages are expected to be fully repaired by late August 4th. Bauza's reassurances that water supplies are guaranteed throughout the island during the entire holiday season offer hope for a return to normalcy in the near future.
Scientists exploring environmental science have expressed concerns over the island's increasing vulnerability to climate change, given the ongoing drought and water disruptions in areas like Palma and Deya, potentially impacting both residents and tourists. The ongoing political negotiations about managing water resources during summer months, marked by increased population and tourism, are a testament to the general news surrounding the world's struggle to conserve water.
