Hotels loved by British tousits in Majorca have been banned from filling their swimming pools as drought fears soar. Officials in Soller, one of the most popular holiday destinations in Majorca, have warned the region must act now or face a more serious situation.
The local council has ordered several measures to preserve water, impacting local citizens, tourists, and the tourism sector, which includes hotels, holiday rentals, bars, restaurants, and cafeterias. Public showers have been suspended, people have been told to take short showers, and swimming pools must not be filled. Some cleaning must only be carried out when it becomes a health and safety risk.
The council warned that rain forecasts are “non-existent in the short term”, and that the measures will be “in force until further notice”. It said Sóller is “currently experiencing a drought warning situation”.
“If we do not take measures soon, we will reach a critical moment, which is why it is important to start acting to preserve our water resources and guarantee that the entire population has water without having to take more restrictive measures,” it said.
The council added they now had to go “one step further” to involve neighbourhoods, companies, organisations and institutions, after consulting for weeks with the hotel and business sectors to agree how to best conserve water.
“Every gesture counts: if we all assume our share of responsibility and act conscientiously, we will avoid tougher restrictions in the immediate future…”
The tourist sector, which includes hotels, holiday rentals, bars, restaurants, and cafeterias, has been banned from irrigating gardens, and washing vehicles and boats.
Washing machines and dishwashers must only be used when they are full, and terraces and facades must only be cleaned when necessary for health or safety.
The public has also been prohibited from filling swimming pools and instructed to take short showers.
Public showers on beaches, sports areas, and sports clubs have been suspended, and street and square cleaning has been strictly restricted to health or safety issues.
