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Water Crisis Unfolds: Barcelona Faces Record Drought, Contemplates Importing Water Amidst Growing Concerns

BARCELONA, Spain — As northeast Spain grapples with its most severe drought on record, tighter water restrictions came into effect on Wednesday, prompting authorities in Catalonia to contemplate shipping fresh water to Barcelona by boat in the coming months. Reservoirs crucial for providing water to approximately 6 million people, including Barcelona, are alarmingly low at just 18% of their capacity, exacerbating concerns amid a broader national reservoir capacity of 43%.

Attributing the prolonged drought to the effects of climate change, Spanish authorities and experts underscored the impact of increasingly hot and dry weather on Catalonia's water sources. Barcelona has been relying on Europe's largest desalination plant for drinking water, along with a sewage treatment and purification facility to compensate for declining water levels from wells and rivers.

With Catalonia officially entering the "pre-emergency" phase for drought, daily water use per person has been reduced from 230 to 210 liters (60 to 55 gallons). This reduction encompasses both personal consumption and municipal usage for services. The average person in Catalonia currently consumes 116 liters (30 gallons) per day for domestic purposes. Municipalities are now barred from using drinking water for street cleaning or lawn irrigation, while water limits for industrial and agricultural use have been raised.

Should water reserves plummet below 16% capacity, Catalonia would escalate to a full-fledged drought "emergency." Under this scenario, individual water consumption would be limited to 200 liters (52 gallons), potentially dropping further to 160 liters (42 gallons), and all agricultural irrigation would require prior approval. Authorities caution that this "emergency" status could be mere weeks away unless substantial rainfall occurs.

Expressing preparedness for all scenarios, Catalonia's regional president, Pere Aragonès, acknowledged the imminent possibility of relying on water tankers, as was done in 2008, to ensure a water supply for Barcelona. Aragonès highlighted the need to be proactive in the face of the ongoing crisis, emphasizing that the situation could necessitate water imports by sea if current trends persist.

Aragonès disclosed that his administration is actively collaborating with Spain's Ministry for the Ecological Transition to strategize and prepare for the potential deployment of water tankers. Expressing a preference for a targeted approach, Aragonès emphasized the administration's inclination to bring in water specifically for southern Catalonia, where the Ebro River converges with the Mediterranean Sea. This strategic focus aims to address the pressing water needs of the region while navigating the challenges posed by the severe drought.

For ongoing updates and in-depth coverage of climate-related developments, follow AP’s comprehensive climate coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment. Stay informed on the evolving situation and its broader implications for environmental policy and resilience efforts.

In conclusion, Catalonia's response to the unprecedented drought paints a picture of proactive measures and strategic planning. As the region faces a critical water shortage, regional president Pere Aragonès revealed ongoing collaboration with Spain's Ministry for the Ecological Transition to prepare for the potential deployment of water tankers. The administration's preference for directing these efforts towards southern Catalonia, particularly at the convergence of the Ebro River and the Mediterranean Sea, underscores a targeted and region-specific approach.

In the face of a looming water crisis, the region remains vigilant, exploring solutions and mitigating potential challenges associated with severe drought conditions. The collaborative efforts between Catalonia and the Spanish ministry signify a commitment to addressing the immediate needs of the population while considering the broader ecological impact.

For those keen on staying abreast of the latest developments in climate and environmental issues, the AP's dedicated coverage provides a valuable resource. Regular updates and comprehensive insights can be accessed at https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment, offering a reliable channel for understanding the ongoing implications of the drought and the measures being taken to navigate this environmental challenge.