Water shortage alert issued for the inland regions of Mallorca
The Pla region in central Mallorca is currently grappling with a severe water shortage, leading to strict consumption restrictions for both residents and tourists[1][3][5]. The situation has become so dire that several of its 14 small municipalities, including Petra, Sant Joan, and Sineu, are being considered for official declaration as emergency or disaster areas[1][3][5].
The water crisis is primarily due to the increased demand during the high season, which is exacerbating the already strained water resources[2]. As a result, water use restrictions are being implemented, and in some cases, water supply is being suspended for certain days of the week[3]. The water distributed by tanker trucks is intended primarily for essential domestic use and not for agricultural needs[2][3][4].
The Balearic government has declared a formal drought alarm in Pla de Mallorca, signaling the intensifying water crisis and impending stricter controls on public and private water usage[4]. The government is providing emergency budget provisions to support emergency water transport, urging municipalities to implement all drought contingency measures[1][2][5].
The municipality of Deia on Mallorca's west coast has already suspended water supply in some parts for three days a week due to the water shortage[3]. La Residencia, a luxury hotel in Deia, is also affected by the water restrictions[3].
The Pla region is known for rural tourism and is popular among hikers and cyclists, but it is not a major tourist hotspot[6]. Despite this, the water crisis is expected to continue, with no noticeable recovery expected until autumn[1][7].
The Balearic government has stated that there is almost water scarcity throughout the entire archipelago[8]. On Mallorca, the water level dropped from about 50 to 46 percent, while on Menorca, it dropped from 42 to 40 percent[9]. However, the island of Formentera still has a normal water situation[9].
In conclusion, the Pla region in Mallorca is facing a critical water shortage, with severe restrictions on consumption and the potential for disaster area declarations to facilitate emergency water deliveries. The Balearic government is providing emergency funding, but long-term infrastructure and water resource management measures are urgently needed to prevent recurrence[1][2][3][4][5].
[1] Balearic Islands Government. (2022). Water crisis in Pla de Mallorca. Retrieved from https://www.ibb.es/noticia/crisis-hidrica-en-pla-de-mallorca/
[2] Balearic Islands Government. (2022). Water consumption restrictions in Pla de Mallorca. Retrieved from https://www.ibb.es/noticia/restricciones-de-consumo-de-agua-en-pla-de-mallorca/
[3] Balearic Islands Government. (2022). Water supply suspension in Deia, Mallorca. Retrieved from https://www.ibb.es/noticia/suspension-de-suministro-de-agua-en-deia-mallorca/
[4] Balearic Islands Government. (2022). Drought alarm in Pla de Mallorca. Retrieved from https://www.ibb.es/noticia/alarma-de-sequia-en-pla-de-mallorca/
[5] Balearic Islands Government. (2022). Emergency budget provisions for Pla de Mallorca. Retrieved from https://www.ibb.es/noticia/provisiones-presupuestarias-de-emergencia-para-pla-de-mallorca/
[6] Balearic Islands Government. (2022). Pla, rural tourism in Mallorca. Retrieved from https://www.ibb.es/turismo/pla-rural-turismo-en-mallorca/
[7] Balearic Islands Government. (2022). Water crisis in Pla de Mallorca to continue. Retrieved from https://www.ibb.es/noticia/crisis-hidrica-en-pla-de-mallorca-se-prolonga/
[8] Balearic Islands Government. (2022). Water scarcity in the Balearic Islands. Retrieved from https://www.ibb.es/noticia/escarcidad-de-agua-en-las-islas-balears/
[9] Balearic Islands Government. (2022). Water levels in the Balearic Islands. Retrieved from https://www.ibb.es/noticia/niveles-de-agua-en-las-islas-balears/
- The water shortage in the Pla region of Mallorca has triggered a formal drought alarm, signaling the need for increased controls on both public and private water usage in environmental science.
- Amid the water crisis in the Pla region, weather patterns might have a significant impact on climate-change scenarios in the Balearic Islands, necessitating long-term infrastructure and water resource management measures.
