Málaga is preparing for a new round of water restrictions. After a brief respite during the summer season thanks to the March rains, the exemptions granted by the Andalusian authorities have lapsed with immediate effect, so the measures are being tightened again, once more banning the filling of swimming pools and the watering of gardens. These uses are therefore prohibited, pending the drought committees meeting again this week to assess the situation in all the Andalusian river basins.
The decision comes after the drought committees assessed the situation in the Andalusian basins and found that more restrictive measures were needed. Regional sources say the maximum water allowance per inhabitant will be reduced, although the new limit has not yet been specified.
Impact on residents and businesses:
The Colegio de Administradores de Fincas (CAF) has warned its members about these new restrictions, reminding them that the use of water for non-essential purposes is completely prohibited. Uncertainty over the water supply has caused concern in sectors such as pool maintenance and gardening, which already suffered the consequences of the first restrictions.
In the letter sent to administrators, the professional body quotes the following wording from the various regional decrees: «The use of water resources suitable for human consumption is prohibited for the following uses: street hosing, filling private swimming pools, watering gardens, public and private parks, golf courses, washing cars outside authorised establishments, ornamental fountains without a closed water circuit, and public fountains and water spouts».
Reservoir situation:
The province’s reservoirs are in a critical situation, with levels well below average. The La Concepción reservoir, which supplies our town, stands at 41.85% with 24 hm3.
On the Costa del Sol, which will add 20 hm3 a year following the two expansions of the Marbella desalination plant, the margin is somewhat greater, but there is no room for complacency given the size of the La Concepción reservoir, whose total capacity is 57.54 hm3.
