The Costa Blanca, a popular Mediterranean destination known for its beautiful beaches and sunny weather, is facing a water crisis that is affecting the daily lives of its residents. The salinity of tap water has increased as water levels have dropped, prompting authorities in some areas to deem it unsafe for drinking or cooking. As a result, bottled water is being distributed free of charge to residents in affected areas.
The water crisis in the Costa Blanca has been exacerbated by overdevelopment, climate change, and mass tourism during the summer months. Activists point to these factors as contributing to the increased water consumption in the region, with water consumption soaring to 19.67 billion litres in July from 2.3 billion litres in January in the Marina Alta area north of Alicante.
One of the key issues contributing to the water crisis in the Costa Blanca is the high number of swimming pools in the region. With nearly 38,000 swimming pools in the area, or one for every five inhabitants, the demand for water for recreational purposes has put a strain on the already limited water supply. Town councils have been forced to implement restrictions on activities such as filling swimming pools, watering gardens, and washing cars during the daytime in an effort to conserve water.
Environmental groups like Accio Ecologista-Agro are warning that the region is facing a climate emergency, with poor rainfall in the northern part of Alicante province leading to water shortages. The lack of foresight in water management, particularly during the summer months when the population swells due to tourism, has further exacerbated the situation.
The water crisis in the Costa Blanca has also had an unexpected impact on household consumption habits. With tap water deemed unsafe for drinking or cooking, residents have had to rely on bottled water for their daily needs. This has led to a shift in cooking oil preferences, with sales of sunflower oil surpassing those of olive oil for the first time in years. Olive oil, which was once the most popular cooking oil in Spanish households, has seen a decline in sales as households opt for more affordable alternatives.
In response to the changing consumer preferences, the Spanish government has taken steps to make olive oil more affordable, including cutting the value-added tax on olive oil. Supermarkets like Mercadona have also reduced the price of olive oil to attract customers back to this traditional cooking staple.
Overall, the water crisis in the Costa Blanca serves as a stark reminder of the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of climate change and overdevelopment. As residents grapple with the challenges of limited water supply, it is essential for authorities to take proactive measures to ensure the long-term sustainability of the region’s water resources.