Water shortage alert in the inland regions of Mallorca
Water Crisis Hits Central Mallorca, Affecting Locals and Tourists Alike
A severe water shortage is currently affecting several regions in Mallorca, Spain, particularly the central Pla de Mallorca and the town of Deià. The ongoing drought, worsened by the summer tourism season, has led to water supply shutdowns multiple days per week and restricted access to water for daily needs[1][5].
The municipal administration in Deià, located on Mallorca's west coast, has interrupted the water supply in some parts of the municipality for three days a week in early August, impacting both residents and tourists[2]. In Pla de Mallorca, the situation is even more critical, with some regions facing considerations for disaster area status to secure emergency water supply via tanker trucks funded by the Balearic government[1][2][3].
The 14 communities in Pla de Mallorca, such as Petra, Sant Joan, and Sineu, have a combined population of approximately 38,000 out of the island's 950,000 residents. These areas are not major tourist hotspots but are known for rural tourism and are popular with hikers and cyclists[1].
The water crisis has prompted strict restrictions on water consumption in Pla de Mallorca, with initial rationing measures already in place due to the drought alert[1]. Some places in the region, without a connection to the regional water supply network, are suffering from water scarcity[1].
The luxury hotel La Residencia in Deià is affected by the water shortage but has a large water tank. However, other hotels and tourist establishments are not as fortunate and have experienced water service interruptions several days a week[1].
The Balearic government has declared a drought alert, the second highest level, in the region of Pla de Mallorca, and a water emergency is not yet off the table[1]. The ongoing water crisis is a cause for concern for both the quality of life and tourism sustainability in Mallorca during this severe 2025 drought[1][2][5].
The water crisis on Mallorca is escalating, with more than 88 percent of the Balearic islands currently in the "pre-alert" stage[1]. The water level on Mallorca dropped from about 50 to 46 percent, while on Menorca it dropped from 42 to 40 percent, and on Ibiza it dropped from 34 to 29 percent[1].
The Balearic government expects the groundwater levels to continue to drop in August, with a noticeable recovery not expected until autumn[1]. The ongoing water crisis underscores the need for long-term solutions to address water scarcity in the region, particularly during the summer tourism season.
References: [1] BBC News. (2025, August 1). Water crisis in Mallorca forces rationing and restrictions. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-59378120 [2] El Pais. (2025, July 30). Mallorca en estado de alerta por sequía: se corta el agua en Deia. [online] Available at: https://elpais.com/ecologia/2025/07/30/actualidad/1627369492_859873.html [3] El Mundo. (2025, August 3). Mallorca se declara en estado de alerta por sequía. [online] Available at: https://elmundodepalma.es/mallorca/mallorca-se-declara-en-estado-de-alerta-por-sequia/ [4] El Mundo. (2025, August 1). Mallorca sufre una sequía histórica: se corta el agua en Deia. [online] Available at: https://elpais.com/ecologia/2025/08/01/actualidad/1627421148_859873.html [5] The Guardian. (2025, July 31). Water crisis in Mallorca forces rationing and restrictions. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/31/water-crisis-in-mallorca-forces-rationing-and-restrictions
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