The year 2024 has barely started when several regions of southern Europe are already experiencing unprecedented episodes of drought. This is particularly the case in Sicily (Italy), Catalonia (Spain) or the Algarve (Portugal), forcing local authorities to activate emergency protocols and rationalize access to water.
In Sicily, water restriction in around fifty municipalities
The largest island in the Mediterranean Sea is in the grip of a historic drought due to low rainfall and above-normal temperatures during the fall. “The forecasts are so alarming that communities have been forced to start rationing water: since January 8, the flow [des robinets des habitations] was reduced by 10 to 15%” in around fifty municipalities including Palermo, the newspaper informs Ilfattoquotidiano.
The Sicilian dams, 29 in number and all constructed artificially, have seen their capacity reduced from year to year. In 2023 alone, they would have lost 47 million m3 of water compared to previous readings. Concerning drought, Italian environmental associations also point to the problem of the destruction of natural wetlands in previous decades, depleting water resources.
But Sicily is faced with another problem: that of the quality of its water network, experiencing numerous leaks which are responsible for half of the water losses, notes La Repubblica. “According to data from the Italian Statistical Institute for the period 2020-2022, Sicily is the first region in the country for water losses, with a rate of 52.5%.”
Spain: Catalonia soon on alert against drought
End of October, the Efe press agency already warned about the lack of water in Spain’s national reserves – at only 35.3% of their total capacity on average. The inland basins of Catalonia are among the most affected by drought, only 21% full. The region is thus preparing to trigger a progressive emergency and restriction plan. Barcelona is currently escaping measures to rationalize domestic water, at least “until the summer”, according to El País.
But the city, which already relies 80% on alternative supply systems – such as water (non-drinkable in Barcelona) from groundwater and desalinated water – will experience progressive rationing measures concerning the irrigation of green spaces and road cleaning. The municipal elected officials in charge of the drought system recognized that “the groundwater pumping system had never been under so much tension”, reports the Spanish daily.
Portugal: in the Algarve, the “foretold death” of agriculture, 70% deprived of water
In the Algarve, where dams are currently only at 25% of their filling capacity, the most pessimistic scenarios estimate that reserves will not be sufficient for the region beyond eight months, according to Sic Noticias. The municipalities of the Algarve are therefore counting on a plan to drastically reduce consumption, with 70% water retention in agriculture and a 15% reduction in supplies to the urban network.
Beyond reducing the flow of water intended for domestic consumption, “the measures also provide for an increase in prices, and fines for the largest consumers, whether individuals or hotels”, specifies the information site .
Algarve agriculture, which will see its irrigation limited by up to 70% in certain areas, anticipates terrible losses. “These cuts call into question not only production but the very survival of the plantations”, worried at the microphone of TSF radio João Garcia, a representative of the sector. Indeed, the vast majority of crops in the area are citrus fruits, for which the damage “could reach up to 12 million euros” in losses.