Barcelona Drought: How Tourists Can Help Conserve Water

Barcelona, a city renowned for its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and Mediterranean charm, is currently facing a significant drought. While this environmental challenge poses restrictions, it also offers a unique opportunity for tourists to engage with the city in a more mindful and sustainable way.

So, as a tourist, how can you play your part in conserving water during the Barcelona drought? This guide explores how you can enjoy your visit while helping to conserve water, ensuring Barcelona remains beautiful for future generations.

Understand the Drought Situation

It’s crucial for tourists visiting Barcelona to understand the current drought situation so they can make conscious efforts to conserve water during their trip. 

Overview of the current drought in Barcelona

In recent years, Catalonia has witnessed a notable reduction in rainfall, leaving specific areas without a substantial amount of rain for three consecutive years. Due to the region’s water reserves falling below 16%, this water crisis was officially declared a drought emergency in February 2024, and it continues to affect the region today.  

The severity of the situation has prompted the Catalan authorities to adopt various measures to promote water-saving among locals and tourists. Furthermore, as the city continues to experience high temperatures and prolonged dry spells, it is important to mitigate the effects and save water during your visit.

Causes of the drought

Several factors contribute to the drought in Barcelona. Climate change has altered rainfall patterns, leading to prolonged dry spells. Additionally, human activities, such as inefficient water use, have intensified the water shortage in the region.

Impact of the Drought on Barcelona

The current drought is impacting Barcelona in unprecedented ways. With millions of visitors each year, it’s crucial to understand the effects on the local community and environment. 

• Environmental impact: The drought has severe repercussions on local ecosystems. Wetlands are drying up, affecting wildlife dependent on these habitats. Urban green spaces and agricultural areas are also suffering, with plants and crops struggling to survive.
• Social impact: Residents are experiencing daily inconveniences due to water restrictions. Limited water availability affects communities as a whole, and can cause tensions between residents. 
• Economic impact: Water scarcity has numerous economic implications. The cost of water is rising, and businesses are feeling the strain. Agriculture, in particular, is facing reduced yields, leading to higher food prices and economic instability for farmers.

Sustainable Tourism: Enjoying Barcelona Responsibly

It’s essential that visitors enjoy their travel experience responsibly. Here are some practices that contribute to the preservation and enhancement of the city’s unique beauty: 

• Prioritize local restaurants and shops: By prioritizing local restaurants, shops, and services, tourists can help bolster the local economy and preserve Barcelona’s unique cultural identity.
• Other transportation methods: Barcelona boasts an extensive public transportation network, including buses, trams, and the metro, which provides convenient and sustainable ways to navigate the city. For those who prefer a more scenic and environmentally friendly option, renting a bicycle or an electric scooter is an excellent choice. The city’s many cycle lanes make it easy to explore its main attractions, such as the Gothic Quarter and Parc de la Ciutadella, while reducing your carbon footprint.
• Choose sustainable accommodations: Choosing lodgings that prioritize sustainability helps reduce the overall environmental footprint of your stay. AB Apartment Barcelona stands at the forefront of sustainable tourism within the tourist apartment market, promoting energy-saving measures, recycling practices, and eco-conscious choices. 
• Minimize single-use plastics: Tourists should aim to minimize single-use plastics and properly dispose of waste during their stay. Additionally, many cafés and restaurants in Barcelona participate in the zero-waste movement, so visitors can choose establishments that use sustainable packaging and offer recycling options.
• Support conservation efforts: Responsible tourism activities allow tourists to support conservation initiatives and learn more about sustainable practices. Participating in beach clean-ups or conservation projects organized by environmental NGOs contributes to the preservation of Barcelona’s natural beauty.

Related read: How to Stay Sustainable During Your Trip to Barcelona

6 Recommendations To Save Water During Your Stay

Every drop counts, so it’s essential that tourists also do their part in conserving water. Here are a few helpful tips:

1. Opt for a shower instead of a bath: Filling a bathtub requires approximately 300 liters of water, while a 5-minute shower only uses around 80 liters. 
2. Ensure the dishwasher is fully loaded: Running a dishwasher with a full load consumes half as much water as washing by hand.
3. Use the washing machine efficiently: Wash with full loads and select the eco setting to conserve water.
4. Turn the tap off: Avoid running the tap whilst brushing your teeth or washing your face, as this is a massive waste of water.
5. Avoid using your toilet as a rubbish bin: Flushing a toilet consumes between 9 and 12 liters of water per flush, so be sure to dispose of tissues and other items in the waste bin.
6. Look out for leaks: If you notice any leaks in pipes or taps, promptly inform your landlord.

Barcelona’s Water Restrictions

The Catalan authorities have already introduced several measures to minimize the consequences of water shortages. 

Current measures in place

• Daily water usage limits: Initially, each resident was limited to 200 liters of water per day. However, since there have been a few spring showers, this restriction has been eased slightly. The new limit has increased to 250 liters of water per day.
• Restrictions on pool refilling: Private pools cannot be refilled unless using recycled water. Only swimming pools at sports facilities and open-air pools used for federated sports are exempt from this restriction.
• Fountains are currently out of use: Many fountains across the city, including the renowned Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, have been deactivated to prevent unnecessary water wastage.
• Reduced public showers: The number of public showers available will be reduced to minimize water consumption.
• Car washing: This can only be done in car washes with a water recirculation system.
• Urban greenery in Barcelona is limited to subsistence watering only: Barcelona’s city council aims to preserve the city’s green spaces while simultaneously adjusting their approach to minimize water consumption.
• The city’s roads will still be cleaned: Measures will also be adapted to ensure that no water is wasted when cleaning the city’s streets.
• Fines for water wastage: Strict measures have been introduced, including fines for individuals exceeding the water limits.

Now that you know about the drought in Catalonia, it’s important to be mindful of your actions during your visit to Barcelona and make sustainable and eco-friendly choices.

Help us preserve our environment!