Don’t let it flow: Tourists to Spain’s Catalonia may soon see water restrictions in the dry season
Don't let it flow: Tourists to Spain's Catalonia may soon see water restrictions in the dry season WRAL News
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Spain’s Catalonia Considers Water Restrictions on Tourists
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Spain’s drought-stricken northeastern Catalonia is considering imposing water restrictions on tourists in the driest parts of the region if domestic consumption is not curtailed, the Catalan government said Tuesday.
Water Restrictions for Tourists
The restriction of 100 liters (26 gallons) per tourist per day for hotels would go into effect if a municipality fails to keep domestic water use by residents below established limits for three consecutive months under the current “drought emergency” for Catalonia, officials said.
Barcelona, Spain’s second largest city and the regional capital, uses 160 liters of water per resident per day — well below the current limit of 200 liters, Catalonia’s water agency said. That includes uses by residents for both washing and drinking.
Tourism represents nearly 12% of Spain’s economy. But there has been growing pressure by water conservationist groups to limit the use of water by tourists during the drought.
According to Barcelona’s hotel guild, the average tourist to Barcelona in 2022 used some 163 liters per day, while the figure rose to over 240 liters for luxury hotels.
The limits for tourists would not include the water used to fill swimming pools.
Loosened Restrictions
Also Tuesday, the Catalan government loosened restrictions that prohibited the filling of swimming pools with fresh water. Under the new measure, a privately-owned swimming pool can be refilled in a severe drought if authorities declare it a “climate refuge” open to residents seeking relief from the heat.
The regional government also made modifications to its drought restrictions to allow for the private use of desalination installations, a move hotel owners have demanded.
Impact of Drought
Catalonia has borne the brunt of a drought driven by climate change that has also impacted parts of southern Spain, though a wet spring this year has helped the situation. The reservoirs for Barcelona and surrounding areas that were at 15% of their capacity are now 18% full.
Even so, Catalonia has kept in place its restrictions under a water emergency declared in February to combat a drought regional authorities call historic. Those limitations include reducing average water use by 80% for crop irrigation, 50% for herd animals and 25% for industry.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- Goal 13: Climate Action
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Read more of AP’s climate coverage at http://www.apnews.com/climate-and-environment
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity.
- SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
- SDG 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article mentions the following indicators:
- Water consumption per tourist per day (100 liters) – This can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards SDG 6.4.
- Water use by residents of Barcelona (160 liters per resident per day) – This can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards SDG 6.4.
- Average water use by tourists in Barcelona (163 liters per day) – This can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards SDG 6.4.
- Water use by luxury hotels in Barcelona (over 240 liters per day) – This can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards SDG 6.4.
- Reservoir capacity (18% full) – This can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards SDG 6.4 and SDG 15.1.
SDGs, Targets and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity. | – Water consumption per tourist per day (100 liters) – Water use by residents of Barcelona (160 liters per resident per day) – Average water use by tourists in Barcelona (163 liters per day) – Water use by luxury hotels in Barcelona (over 240 liters per day) – Reservoir capacity (18% full) |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. | – None mentioned in the article |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements. | – Reservoir capacity (18% full) |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: wral.com
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