Whether it’s having a dip in the pool or staying hydrated with an ice-cold glass, water is a pretty big deal on any summer holiday. However, H2O is in short supply in one popular Spanish tourist spot, and new rules to combat shortages could seriously impact your travel plans. A number of regions across the Mediterranean have introduced water-saving measures ahead of the summer, with Banyalbufar in Mallorca being the latest.
Despite only having 600 residents, the municipality is home to numerous resorts (including Richard Branson’s luxury Son Bunyola hotel and villas) and sees an influx of tourists come the warmer months. As of July 15, however, the Serra de Tramuntana town will cut off access to the water supply from 11pm to 4pm each day, leaving locals and travellers alike with just seven daily hours of available water. Under the regulations, using drinking water to clean cars and terraces, refill swimming pools and water tanks or water plants is also prohibited.
The move comes after low rainfall depleted reservoirs throughout the Balearics, prompting councils to ban the filling of swimming pools or impose limits on water consumption per person. Some areas have since eased restrictions, but Banyalbufar is said to be in a ‘critical’ state when it comes to water supply and will need to keep the new rules in place ‘until the situation improves’. Holidaymakers stranded overnight after bad weather grounds flights Red alert issued after Mount Etna volcano eruption Firs.