The Vice President of the Council rejected claims of demagogy surrounding the Tajo-Segura transfer and stated that the Generalitat is pursuing solutions rather than conflicts.
This statement followed comments from PPCV leader Carlos Mazón, who accused the government of pulling the trigger with harsh moves at a press conference after the Consell plenary session held this Friday in Castell de Cabres. The transfer plan allows for 7.5 cubic hectometers to support urban water supply during September.
Mas highlighted that Consell is operating in a unified and coordinated manner on this issue and insisted that Mazón’s criticisms of the regional administration do not reflect its strength in decision making, particularly when Madrid is involved.
At the same time, the regional spokesperson noted that the Generalitat sees no constructive dialogue with past administrations, referring to the central government. He warned that adopting demagogic rhetoric is a step backward in addressing a serious challenge for southern regions, especially Vega Baja.
Drought halts Tajo-Segura irrigation through spring and governs 3,000 million
As this newspaper reports, the drought has aligned with the Ministry of Ecological Transition and the Castilla-La Mancha government to end the irrigation crusade linked to Tajo-Segura. The record dry spell has left reservoirs at less than 40 percent capacity, straining water reserves at the Tagus headwaters, notably the Entrepeñas and Buendía reservoirs. This week, since the transfer began, the hydraulic complex has accumulated 490 hm³, leaving only 90 hm³ before a full shutdown for all uses, and it is already impacting the agricultural sector this September. Technicians from the commission that analyzes and decides on transfers forecast continued activity into the next semester, with priority given to urban supply to communities. This implies that irrigation water may be curtailed. There is currently 46 hm³ stored in the Segura basin reservoirs, with one additional flow to be added and 15.3 hm³ owed to transfers approved in the past, still unpaid. Desalinated water is increasingly relied upon, though it remains costly and insufficient to guarantee a turnover around 3,000 million euros annually in the agri-food sector, a vital pillar second only to tourism for the Alicante region and accounting for roughly 4% of provincial GDP.
These dynamics reflect ongoing negotiations among regional authorities, the central administration, and water management bodies as they balance urban needs with agricultural stability, all within a broader strategy to secure water resources amid prolonged drought conditions. The situation continues to evolve as climate factors and policy decisions shape the available supply for households, farms, and industry in the coming months. [Attribution: Regional and national water authorities]