An innovative solution to drought
Concern about a summer without swimming pools due to the drought in Catalonia can be dissipated thanks to an innovative initiative from the Government.
Instead of succumbing to the heat, a decree is being finalized that will allow the filling and refilling of both public and private swimming pools, as long as they are open to the general public.
These pools will become what are known as ‘climate refuges’, places of escape to combat high temperatures.
Municipal autonomy and government cooperation
The decree arises from an agreement between the Government and municipal representatives to provide additional tools to local managers in drought emergency situations.
It is emphasized that it will be the city councils who decide which pools meet the requirements to be considered climate refuges in their contingency plans.
Opening to the public and compensation measures
Both public and private swimming pools may be designated as climate shelters, as long as the latter reach an agreement with the city council for their public use.
This includes swimming pools in sports clubs, neighborhood communities, hotels and campsites, as long as they are open to the public and water-saving measures are applied.
These pools will be allowed to be filled in quantities necessary to guarantee water quality, as long as additional saving measures are implemented.
