Catalan Records Worst Drought Record, Residents Are Prohibited From Filling Swimming Pools To Washing Cars

Illustration of drought. (Unsplash/redcharlie)

JAKARTA - Residents of the Catalonia region in eastern Spain will be barred from washing cars and filling empty swimming pools based on measures announced on Thursday to ease the worst drought ever recorded in the region.

These measures, which will take effect on Friday, will have an impact on about six million people in 200 villages, small and large towns, including Spain's second-largest city, Barcelona. This policy was adopted after the reservoir capacity was reduced by nearly 16% of its capacity.

The Iberian Peninsula has been the rarest region in 1,200 years, according to a study in 2022, forcing officials to consider bringing water by ship to Barcelona, an action adopted in 2008 as the reservoir levels approach 20% and fewer desalination factories operate.

Local governments want residents to reduce water use by 5 percent and farmers by 80 percent. Based on the first series of actions, which can be tightened if the situation does not improve, the use of allowed water will be reduced to 200 liters from 210 liters per person per day.

"Drought will be overcome, but we are in a new climate reality where there will most likely be a new drought and the drought will be more intense", reported by Reuters on February 1.

Trees will only be irrigated with remaining water to ensure their survival, while empty pool filling will be prohibited, including in tourist facilities.

However, competitive swimming clubs will be allowed to fill some of their indoor pools as long as they take precautions, such as closing the shower.

In the Sau reservoir with a capacity of 4 percent, a church tower that was once submerged in water has surfaced.

"I was here when I was little, I remember it. I'm now 77 years old and I've never seen it like this," said Joaquim Casali in the reservoir.

It is known that the wider Barcelona region has reduced water pressure in supply systems in several cities and will impose sanctions of up to 3,000 euros if it violates restrictions, although it is unclear how authorities will monitor violations.