After the declaration of the state of emergency due to the drought, the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona (AMB) continues to adopt measures to combat its effects. Its action is based on reducing the demand for water within its area of competence. One of the most relevant actions is that from March 11, seven municipalities in the metropolitan area will have reduced water pressure. These are Begues, Cervelló, Corbera de Llobregat, La Palma de Cervelló, Sant Just Desvern, Sant Vicenç dels Horts and Tiana, which exceed the consumption of 200 liters per inhabitant per day. Sant Cugat del Vallès is very close—199 liters—but has a small margin because it has economic activities that increase its limit to 206.
The measures have been jointly agreed with the affected councils and with the water supply companies, following the Metropolitan Operational Contingency Plan in times of drought approved by the AMB. The objective of the measure is to minimize consumption in order to preserve resources as much as possible in the face of the drought situation that persists in the medium term. However, with adjusted consumption, and similar to the current one, the impacts will be few and not noticeable.
More actions to combat the drought
In the coming days, the AMB will send a letter to 24,000 domestic users – 1.5% of the total – that exceed the consumption of 200 liters per inhabitant per day in which it will ask them to increase their efforts to reduce water consumption and that approaches the current average of the metropolitan area. In addition, the letter reminds us that, according to the drought decrees issued by the Catalan Water Agency (ACA), there are a number of activities that are prohibited, such as, for example, filling private swimming pools, watering private gardens and washing vehicles (except in specialized premises).
The AMB will also send a specific letter to about 250 other users, who are classified as large consumers — industries, large areas, etc. —, who exceed 20,000 m3/year and who are connected to the water distribution network . In these cases, a summary of the water saving measures that have been applied so far will be requested, distinguishing between process water and other uses. In addition, the forecast of future measures, if they are planned, will be requested.
In the context of the current drought, if it is detected that a user has made use of water that is not permitted, the town councils have the power to open a case against him. The AMB will be the one to resolve these files, which may involve financial sanctions in accordance with the Regulations of the metropolitan water cycle service. In these cases, a summary of the water saving measures that have been put in place so far will be requested, distinguishing between process water and other uses. You will also be asked to forecast future measures, if they are planned. The AMB maintains an open line of communication to resolve doubts about water saving measures and to collaborate in the common goal of responsible use.
