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Date Published: 06/12/2024

Water restrictions in Málaga eased after heavy rains

Experts warn that these limits could be increased again in the new year if the Costa del Sol has a dry winter

After weeks of heavy rains in late October and mid-November, water restrictions in several parts of Málaga have been relaxed this week. The Drought Commission announced an increase in permitted water consumption limits across several regions, as the parched reservoirs finally start refilling thanks to the rainfall.

On the Western Costa del Sol, daily water usage limits have risen from 200 to 225 litres per person, while Málaga city and Axarquía now have a limit of 200 litres, up from 180. These adjustments come after two major downpours within a 15-day period, which significantly boosted water reserves in the Andalucían Mediterranean Basins.

Despite the easing, the local authorities are committed to preserving reservoir capacity by continuing to prioritise alternative water sources. Desalinated and reclaimed water will be maximised on the Costa del Sol, with some flexibility allowed for non-essential uses like garden irrigation, although this hasn’t been officially approved yet.

In Axarquía and Málaga city, the use of wells and aquifers will also remain central to urban supply, with the Guadalhorce-Limonero and Viñuela-Axarquía systems following drought management plans to tap underground and flowing water resources.

In unregulated areas like the Penibética mountain range, restrictions have shifted from severe to moderate, allowing a slight increase in daily water volumes to 235 litres per person in certain areas. However, other zones, such as Campo de Gibraltar and Cuevas de Almanzora, maintain their 200-litre limit.

Although this is all good news for local residents and businesses, the Drought Commission has stressed that these measures “may be reviewed at the beginning of next year 2025 depending on the hydrological situation”.

Furthermore, a spokesperson explained that “in the coming months, detailed monitoring of the evolution of resources and demands will continue, as well as analysis of the application of the measures adopted to determine whether it is necessary to implement new actions.”

Join our Andalucía Weather Watch Facebook group for all the latest weather and climate change news and updates

Image: Diego Delso via Wikimedia Commons

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