Drought in Spain is an issue that has become increasingly relevant in recent years, becoming a critical problem that affects numerous sectors of the economy and the daily lives of millions of citizens. Reservoir level records are currently available. well below the historical average, reaching alarming levels not seen since 1990. Despite recent rainfall, the water stored in reservoirs has shown little change, raising questions about how our water resources are managed.
Current situation of the reservoirs
The most recent data reveal that the water level in the reservoirs has remained stagnant, even despite the rainfall that has occurred in recent weeks. In concrete terms, the total volume of water stored has increased by only 0,1%, which is insignificant compared to 36,5% the previous week. This information is compiled and published by the Ministry of the Environment, which regularly monitors the country's water situation.
The current accumulated water level is 20.475 cubic hectometers (hm³), with a slight increase of 29 cubic hectometres in a week in which the rains have mainly benefited the basins on the Atlantic side, with Santiago de Compostela being the city with the greatest accumulation, with 140 litres per square metre. However, some basins, such as the Segura, are in crisis, with water levels barely reaching 13,7%, while the Júcar basin only reaches 25%. Both have experienced minimal increases in the last period, and if this trend continues, we could face critical shortages within a few days.
Learn more about reservoirs in crisis.
Historical comparison of drought in Spain
Droughts in Spain are a recurring phenomenon, intensified by the effects of climate change. In this context, it is urgent to take measures to ensure the water security for the present and future of the country. Below are some of the most significant milestones in the history of drought in Spain:
- 1990s: The lowest water levels in the reservoirs to date have been reported, setting an alarming precedent.
- 2005: One of the most severe droughts in modern history is affecting much of the peninsula, with significant restrictions on water use.
- 2017: The situation is once again critical, with reservoir levels well below normal due to the lack of rainfall. You can read more about this topic at the month of drought in Spain.
- 2023: Concern about drought is rising again, with water crisis management plans being implemented nationwide.
These milestones show how drought is a problem that recurs cyclically, but that is increasingly occurring in a more severe and prolonged manner, which raises questions about water management in the country and the need to adopt long-term measures, such as those mentioned in the effects of the drought in Spain.
Impact of drought on agriculture and the economy
The consequences of the drought are felt across multiple sectors, with agriculture being one of the hardest hit. The economic impact of these conditions is immense, including:
- Reduction in agricultural production: The lack of water has led to a significant decline in staple crop production. Cereal production is estimated to have fallen by around 40% compared to the previous year.
- Increased costs: Water scarcity has also increased production costs, as farmers must invest more in irrigation systems and livestock feed.
- Increase in imports: Spain is expected to need to import nearly 20 million tons of grain to meet demand, which will generate a considerable logistical effort, a challenge made even more complicated by the current drought in Spain.
- Price changes: Agricultural product prices have risen dramatically as a result of reduced supply and growing demand.
These effects not only influence the agricultural sector, but also have repercussions on the economy involving the general population, from rising food prices to the loss of agricultural jobs. This situation is reminiscent of the criticism the lack of action against climate change in Spain.
Plans and measures adopted in response to the drought
Faced with the continuing threat of drought, the Spanish Government has implemented various Special Drought Plans (PES)These plans seek to minimize the environmental, social, and economic impact of droughts by optimizing the management of available water resources. The main measures include:
- Investments in infrastructure: An investment of 11.839 millones de euros to promote desalination and water reuse, as well as the improvement of pipelines and regulation infrastructure.
- Promote sustainability: Initiatives are being undertaken to promote efficient and sustainable water use in all sectors, from agriculture to urban consumption.
- Extraordinary measures: In addition to the PES, the Government has approved urgent measures, including the implementation of emergency works worth €1.400 billion.
- International collaboration: Spain collaborates with other countries of the European Union in the search for joint solutions for water management and reducing the impact of drought, as discussed in measures to address Spain's vulnerability.
These efforts reflect the Government's intention to address drought as a national problem, seeking solutions that ensure access to water for all citizens and productive sectors. In this regard, the importance of studying the fire risk map in Spain.
Cooperation between different levels of government and active citizen participation are essential to ensure that drought mitigation measures are effective and lasting. This cooperation is essential to address the current drought situation in Spain.
The role of climate change in drought
Climate change is playing a crucial role in the intensification of droughts in Spain. According to experts, rising temperatures and decreasing humidity are exacerbating already difficult water resource conditions. Some of the impacts of climate change on drought include:
- Increased evaporation: Higher temperatures cause greater demand for atmospheric evaporation, which reduces the amount of water available in the soil and reservoirs. This phenomenon can be observed in the decrease in rainfall in Spain.
- Irregular rain patterns: Rainfall distribution has become more erratic, with longer periods of drought interspersed with episodes of intense rainfall.
- Increase in forest fires: Drought and heat intensify the risk of wildfires, which in turn can have devastating effects on biodiversity and local ecosystems. This is part of the risk that can be seen in the high risk of fires in almost all of Spain.
La adaptation to climate change is key to managing drought in the future. This includes not only implementing more sustainable technologies in agriculture and water consumption, but also promoting environmental education and awareness among the population, as mentioned in global warming and its consequences.
As Spain faces one of its most severe drought periods in recent history, the need for a coordinated and proactive approach has never been more urgent. With joint efforts, we can ensure that everyone has access to water not only today, but also in the future.
