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Water shortage in Marina Alta and Marina Baja: Urgent measures in the municipalities

Strict water consumption restrictions, increased prices and planned desalination plants are intended to alleviate the acute water crisis in the region.

The Marina Alta and Marina Baja regions on the Costa Blanca are increasingly facing serious water shortages caused by a combination of climate change, insufficient rainfall and rising demand. The effects of these shortages are far-reaching and affect both agriculture and the water supply to the population. In view of these challenges, local authorities have introduced strict regulations and announced extensive measures to bring the situation under control.

Current situation: A crisis is worsening
In recent years, the water situation in the Marina Alta and Marina Baja regions has steadily deteriorated. Rainfall in the region has been below average for years, leading to a sharp decline in groundwater reserves. Many municipalities report that water reservoir levels are alarmingly low, which has already led to supply shortages.
Increasing urbanisation and the ongoing tourism boom are further exacerbating the problem. Demand for water, especially during the summer months, often exceeds supply, bringing the region to the brink of a serious water supply crisis.

Regulations and restrictions: measures to cope with scarcity
In response to the worsening water shortage, the affected municipalities in Marina Alta and Marina Baja have introduced a series of measures and regulations to reduce water consumption and protect existing resources:

  • Water consumption restrictions: Several municipalities, including Denia, Jávea and Calpe, have introduced strict water consumption restrictions. These include a ban on watering gardens and green spaces during the hottest times of the day, as well as restrictions on filling swimming pools. In some cases, public green spaces may only be watered with recycled water.
  • Increased water prices: In order to further reduce water consumption, some municipalities have increased water prices for households and businesses. These price increases are intended to encourage economical use of water and penalise excessive consumption.
  • Penalties for violations: Municipalities such as Benidorm and Altea have announced that they will strictly enforce penalties for violations of water consumption rules. This includes fines for households and businesses that disregard the established restrictions.

 

Planned activities and long-term solutions by the government
Given the severity of the water shortage, the regional government of the Comunidad Valenciana is working on long-term strategies to secure the water supply in Marina Alta and Marina Baja. Planned activities include:
• Expansion of desalination plants: The government plans to expand existing desalination plants on the coast and build new ones in order to reduce dependence on increasingly scarce groundwater resources. These plants are intended to ensure a stable water supply in the long term.

  • Promotion of water reuse: Programmes will be introduced to promote water reuse and the use of recycled water in agriculture and the public sector. This is intended not only to reduce water consumption, but also to help increase security of supply.
  • Infrastructure improvements: The government also plans to invest in improving water infrastructure, including modernising water pipes and introducing more efficient irrigation systems. These measures are intended to help minimise water losses and increase the efficiency of the water network.
  • Awareness campaigns: Alongside the infrastructure measures, awareness campaigns are being launched to educate the population about the importance of saving water and to encourage them to use water resources more consciously.

Water scarcity in Marina Alta and Marina Baja is a pressing issue that requires immediate and long-term action. The introduction of strict regulations and the implementation of government projects to secure the water supply are crucial steps in overcoming the crisis. It remains to be seen how effective these measures will be, but one thing is clear: sustainable water management will be of central importance for the future of these regions.

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