This summer, locals and tourists visiting Spain’s Costa Blanca are finding that drinking, cooking, or even brushing their teeth with tap water is no longer an option. A prolonged drought has significantly reduced the local water supply, leading to dangerously high salt levels in tap water.
In response, local authorities have begun distributing bottled water for free to the area’s population, which triples during the summer months.
Climate change and mass tourism worsen the crisis
Environmental activists and experts are pointing to climate change and the surge in mass tourism as key factors exacerbating the water crisis. “We are already entering a climate emergency,” Joan Sala, a member of the environmental NGO Acció Ecologista – Agró, told Reuters. The situation has prompted a series of water use restrictions in the region, affecting both residents and businesses.
Restrictions impact daily life and local economy
In addition to distributing bottled water, local councils have imposed strict regulations on water use. Activities such as watering gardens, washing vehicles during the day, and filling swimming pools have been banned. These measures are particularly challenging in an area like the Costa Blanca. The National Statistics Institute (INE) reports around 38,000 swimming pools—one for every five residents, compared to the national average of one per 35 people.
The Marina Alta region, located in the northern part of Alicante province, has seen water consumption soar, reaching 19.67 billion litres in July, compared to just 2.3 billion litres in January. This dramatic increase in water usage has further strained the already limited supply, leading to more severe restrictions.
Economic impact on agriculture and hospitality
The drought is not only affecting daily life but also taking a toll on the local economy. The agricultural sector in the region has suffered losses exceeding €65 million, according to the farmers’ association ASAJA. Meanwhile, the hospitality industry, a cornerstone of the local economy, is grappling with the impact of water restrictions during its busiest season.
“There needs to be a bit more foresight because there are far more people here in summer than in winter,” said Fernando Sapena, owner of the restaurant El Racó De L’arròs in Teulada-Moraira. The restrictions have made it increasingly difficult for restaurants and hotels to operate smoothly, as they struggle to balance the needs of tourists with the limited water supply.
Also read: Water cuts in Gran Canaria