Tourists visiting Spain’s Andalusian region may be unable to use water at their rentals for up to eight hours a day amid an intensifying drought.
Despite recent rainfall, Andalusia is grappling with long-term water shortages that could see new measures introduced in the coming weeks.
Recent rainfall was only enough to fill an average of 35 per cent of reservoirs in the Malaga region, according to Olive Press.
With masses of tourists expected to visit the Spanish hotspot in the coming weeks, authorities and locals are urging visitors to obey local restrictions.
Tourists have been issued a warning amid worsening weather conditions
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Local authorities in Spain recently sparked outrage after imposing a ban on filling up local swimming pools. The sole exception is hotel swimming pools.
Restrictions have also been put on water usage for gardening practices, pools in tourist rentals, and communal pools, causing an upstir among tourists.
The drought has caused concern among international travellers, many of whom have voiced their worries on social media.
One tourist wrote The Facebook Group International People in Malaga: “My Airbnb host just sent a message that due to the lack of rainfall, our condo booked for July will not have water from 11 PM to 7 AM. Does that sound normal?”
The post garnered more than 60 comments from locals confirming that many regions in Spain are subject to restrictions on water usage.
Several commentators urged tourists to “respect the rules” and use their “precious water carefully” as tensions increase between locals and visitors.
Ongoing droughts in the region are also stirring concerns among prospective expats. Writing on the Facebook Group Expats in Malaga, one participant recently shared: “We are reading of a major water drought in southern Spain over the last few years.
“Colleagues in northern Spain say that many are moving inland or north. How true is this? We are considering buying a finca in Andalusia - but potential long-term water shortages are a big concern for us and no doubt the locals.”
Although Malaga City does not turn off its water supply overnight, some towns and villages along the coast limit their water supply and reduce their water pressure to help ease the drought.
In February, it was reported that Authorities in Andalusia were in conversations with hotels to install meters in rooms in a bid to cut back on water consumption, which could force guests to take showers instead of baths.
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Spain's Andalusia is grappling with a severe drought
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When it comes to water consumption, data shows that tourists typically have a far bigger footprint than locals.
Spain’s Minister of Tourism issued a warning to tourists as they use nearly double the amount of water than residents in the area.
Spokesperson Arturo Berna said: “We are sensitive to the drought situation that Andalusia is experiencing and we are analysing the implementation of some measure that affects the rations and efficient use of water.
“Any operation will necessarily have the consensus of the sector.”