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Currently, Catalonia is experiencing a drought emergency, meaning that Barcelona and its surrounding areas will now face tighter water restrictions. However, it requires cooperation from both locals and visitors to encourage water conservation.

This blog will explain the current situation, provide guidance on how you can save water, and outline the new restrictions that have been implemented in Barcelona.

The Current Situation

In recent years, Catalonia has witnessed a notable reduction in rainfall, leaving specific areas without a substantial amount of rain for three consecutive years. This water crisis was officially declared a drought emergency in February 2024, due to the region’s water reserves falling below 16%. 

The severity of the situation has prompted the Catalan authorities to adopt various measures aimed at promoting water-saving among both locals and tourists. Furthermore, as summer rapidly approaches, taking immediate action is imperative to mitigate the anticipated effects during the warmer months.

6 Recommendations to Save Water during your Stay

Those staying in Barcelona, whether it be temporarily or permanently, should adhere to the measures, be sustainable, and conserve as much water as possible. Here are a few tips that we recommend:

• Opt for a shower instead of a bath: Filling a bathtub requires approximately 300 litres of water, while a 5-minute shower only uses around 80 litres. 
• Ensure the dishwasher is fully loaded: Running a dishwasher with a full load consumes half as much water as washing by hand.
• Use the washing machine efficiently: Use the washing machine with full loads and select the eco setting to conserve water.
• Turn the tap off: Avoid running the tap whilst brushing your teeth or washing your face, as this is a massive waste of water.
• Avoid using your toilet as a rubbish bin: Flushing a toilet consumes between 9 and 12 litres of water per flush, so be sure to dispose of tissues and other items in the waste bin.
• Look out for leaks: If you notice any leaks in pipes or taps, promptly inform your landlord.

Barcelona’s Water Restrictions

To tackle this critical situation, the Catalan authorities have introduced several measures to minimise the consequences of water shortages:

• Daily water usage limits: At the moment, each resident is limited to 200 litres of water per day. If the situation does not improve, the daily limit could be reduced again.
• Restrictions on pool refilling: You are unable to refill private pools, unless it is done using recycled water. Only swimming pools at sports facilities and open-air pools used for federated sports are exempt from this restriction.
• Fountains are currently out of use: Many fountains across the city, including the renowned Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, have been deactivated to prevent unnecessary water wastage.
• Reduced public showers: The number of public showers available will be reduced in an attempt to minimise water consumption.
• Car washing is prohibited: To prevent the unnecessary use of water resources, washing cars is currently not allowed.
• Urban greenery in Barcelona is limited to subsistence watering only: Barcelona’s city council aims to preserve the city’s green spaces while simultaneously adjusting their approach to minimise water consumption.
• The city’s roads will still be cleaned: Measures will also be adapted to ensure that no water is wasted when cleaning the city’s streets.
• Fines for water wastage: Strict measures have been introduced, including fines for individuals exceeding the water limits.

Now that you know everything about Catalonia’s drought situation, we kindly ask that you contribute to the water conservation efforts during your visit to Barcelona.