Whether it’s having a dip in the pool or staying hydrated with an ice-cold glass, water is a pretty big deal on any summer holiday.
However, H2O is in short supply in one popular Spanish tourist spot, and new rules to combat shortages could seriously impact your travel plans.
A number of regions across the Mediterranean have introduced water-saving measures ahead of the summer, with Banyalbufar in Mallorca being the latest.
Despite only having 600 residents, the municipality is home to numerous resorts (including Richard Branson’s luxury Son Bunyola hotel and villas) and sees an influx of tourists come the warmer months.
As of July 15, however, the Serra de Tramuntana town will cut off access to the water supply from 11pm to 4pm each day, leaving locals and travellers alike with just seven daily hours of available water.
Under the regulations, using drinking water to clean cars and terraces, refill swimming pools and water tanks or water plants is also prohibited.
The move comes after low rainfall depleted reservoirs throughout the Balearics, prompting councils to ban the filling of swimming pools or impose limits on water consumption per person.
Some areas have since eased restrictions, but Banyalbufar is said to be in a ‘critical’ state when it comes to water supply and will need to keep the new rules in place ‘until the situation improves’.
While officials initially hired water trucks to deal with the shortages, first deputy mayor of Banyalbufar, Joan Vives, was quoted as saying: ‘We are running out of money, we can’t keep up the pace of trucks all year round.’
Other areas in Mallorca have also set limits on water consumption this year, including Artà, Algaida, Montuïri and Porreres, and Estellencs.
Metro.co.uk has reached out to Mallorca’s Tourist Board for its advice to those travelling to the island this summer, and will update this article if we receive a response.
In the meantime, if you’re worried about your upcoming holiday, contact the travel company you booked with or get in touch with the hotel you’re due to stay at for further guidance.
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