Lorraine Williamson
Spain’s warm climate draws millions of tourists each year, but behind the blue skies and sunny beaches lies a lesser-known crisis: water consumption levels in the country are more than twice the global average.
According to a recent report by the Spanish consumer association OCU, the average water footprint in Spain reaches 6,700 litres per person per day. Just 2% of that is used directly in households — for drinking, cooking, or washing. The vast majority is consumed indirectly through agriculture and production.
Agriculture accounts for most of Spain’s water consumption
Around 78% of Spain’s water use is linked to farming and livestock. This includes not only irrigation and animal care but also the production of goods that rely on agricultural inputs. In other words, much of the water used isn’t visible in daily life — it’s embedded in the things people eat, wear and use.
A cotton T-shirt requires 2,500 litres of water to produce. A pair of jeans? Up to 8,000 litres. Meat and grains have an even larger impact. Producing one kilogram of beef uses around 15,000 litres, while rice takes 2,500 litres per kilo. Even producing a litre of beer consumes about 300 litres of water.
The regional divide, as dry areas bear the brunt
Water footprints vary by location and product type. In arid regions like much of Spain, producing water-intensive goods such as cotton or meat comes at a higher environmental cost than in wetter climates. The OCU report highlights how little consumers know about these hidden demands on water.
Calls for change with better labelling and clearer priorities
To tackle the issue, the OCU has outlined three recommendations. First, they call for clearer labelling on products to indicate their water footprint. This would help consumers make more informed choices.
Second, the report urges producers to adopt sustainable technologies and to consider sourcing from regions with greater water availability. Lastly, it suggests that Spain needs to set firm priorities. Access to water for essential needs like drinking and food production should come before industrial or export demands.
Awareness must drive action
Spain is not alone in facing water stress, but its situation is made more urgent by growing climate pressures and a heavy reliance on intensive agriculture. Without a shift in consumer awareness and policy, the long-term sustainability of the country’s water supply remains at risk.