Following a scorching summer, that will have no doubt sent thousands of British tourists home with that classically red-tinged Spanish tan, water reserves are running critically low across a vast swathe of Majorca.
Brits getting in a last minute holiday on the island could see the taps run dry in a matter of days, after authorities in the northwestern Serra de Tramuntana region warned the public that, with no rain in the forecasts and reserves running dry, homes could soon have their water supplies cut off.
Majorca officials said there were just 10 days before “severe” restrictions would have to be placed on supplies of water throughout the area, as an extreme water ban took effect across the area. If it does not rain, the water supply will run out entirely in a fortnight.
Using tap water to refill swimming pools, clean outside areas, or water sun-scorched orchards and lawns, has already been banned in the region popular with holidaymakers.
One of the focal points for tourists on the island is Sóller, which faces having to deploy water tankers to supply the town and its many resorts. With wells running dry across the surrounding areas, the Sun reports mayors and regional officials are meeting in the town to manage the crisis.
Local mayor, Miquel Nadal, said after the meeting: “The situation is very worrying and if it does not rain in the next 10 days, more severe restrictions than those currently in force will have to be applied.”
If water supplies are cut off, this would mark the first time since the year 2000 that the region has faced such a crisis, which Nadal predicted was all but certain.
He pointed out that the town’s consumption “is higher than what can be extracted from Ses Fontanelles and what Sa Costera provides.”
With no precipitation forecast for the island at all, water supplies to homes and resorts are expected to begin cutting out in the next few days, as water flow out of the critical Sa Costera system begins to far exceed what little remains in the reservoir.
All local and public pools, as well as beach showers, have been shut off and closed until the continued drought conditions end. In one neighbouring town, Deià, residents are already seeing their water shut off for three days at a time.
The situation in the northwestern region of Majorca has been difficult for much of the summer, with endless dry days and one of the hottest summers in Spain on record. In August, officials were forced to resort to water tankers to supply many of the towns in this area.