Several autonomous communities in Spain already regulate water usage. In many municipalities, particularly in areas less prone to drought historically, some utilities or specific periods have seen water taps turned off or restricted.
Across regions such as Andalusia, Galicia, Catalonia, Cantabria, Castilla y León, and Navarra, drought directly affects water users. Meanwhile, areas like Asturias and the Valencian Community still report healthy water reserves and feel confident the supply will hold, though they watch weather patterns with growing concern as autumn approaches.
In late 2021, the Guadalquivir Hydrographic Confederation declared a state of emergency in ten of its twenty-three territorial subunits due to extreme drought. Months later, in March 2022, the Confederation extended the emergency to all land units. By June 2021, additional restrictions were issued for certain irrigation systems.
As conditions evolved, the Duero Hydrographic Confederation mirrored the trend by acting in June of the current year to address the four most water-rich basins: Támega-Manzanas, Tera, Carrión, and Pisuerga.
On July 14, 2022, the CH Duero Governing Board approved exceptional measures to promote rational water use within these systems and the Bajo Duero region, with irrigation seven days later. The emergency declaration was broadened to include the Torío-Bernesga, Bajo Duero, and Órbigo systems. In practice, irrigation shifts were introduced for the Torío-Bernesga and Tera networks, setting maximum allocations for remaining users and coordinating water intakes for parks and gardens.
Simultaneously, authorities began steps to seek government approval for a decree that would formally recognize drought and authorize a series of supplementary measures.
Overall, the Duero Confederation manages eighteen reservoirs capable of storing 2,878 cubic hectometers. At present, the total capacity is at 44.5 percent, or 1,218 cubic hectometers, up from 57.3 percent a year earlier.
Within Cantabria, the Ebro reservoir holds 263 hm3, representing 48.8 percent of its capacity; in 2021 its volume stood at 298 hm3.
The “real threat” of famine in Galicia
Galicia’s regional Infrastructure Department confirms river levels have fallen to the lowest readings since records began along the Galicia-Costa border, signaling a real risk to local water supplies in several areas.
City councils are urged to publicize awareness measures and prepare for more complex scenarios should conditions worsen. The most at-risk zones include reservoirs at Baiona and Zamáns and the Lérez and Anllóns rivers, with famine alerts tied to the Cabe and Limia rivers in the Miño region.
Galicia is taking steps in line with the new drought plan approved in June by the regional government, targeting reductions in urban and industrial use and the possibility of temporary interruptions. Authorities emphasize that councils must decide which water uses are least priority and focus on fixing leaks within municipal grids, where substantial losses occur. On the current projections, around 104 municipalities in Galicia have drought contingency plans, with several located along the Galicia-Costa border. Large cities such as Santiago are among them.
The Balearic Islands are also feeling the impact of drought. In Ciutadella, Menorca, local authorities temporarily suspended showers and foot baths at seven coastal coves and beaches to conserve water. Officials noted that while drinking water remains secure, the measure is prudent given the lack of rainfall in the near term.
Navarre has introduced restrictions on irrigation, public fountains, and emergency water use. The Ebro Hydrological Confederation has imposed allocation limits for large irrigated areas on the river’s left bank.
In contrast, the Valencian Community expects no immediate water restrictions, even as national authorities urge rational use and waste reduction.
Euskadi reports that water supply is guaranteed for the medium term for over ninety percent of the population, though reinforcement of supply infrastructure is needed in the Urdaibai region and some small towns in Llanada Alavesa to ensure resilience.
The Jucar Hydrographic Confederation notes that drought conditions remain normal for the region, with all units meeting current demands and no restriction scenarios anticipated for the hydrological year.
In Aragon, Huesca’s mayor called for responsible and moderate water use amid dry weather and low precipitation, noting that the city’s water supply is currently below typical levels.
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