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Should you take a long shower before starting your Easter trip to Barcelona?
Saving water is popular in the Catalan metropolis.
Mid-March in Catalonia: There is the most severe drought since records began: water use in the population, industry and agriculture has been restricted. And the reserves in the reservoirs are only 15 percent full.
One point of contention in the crisis is tourism. The industry accounts for over 14 percent of the local economy in Barcelona.
But now the residents are becoming dissatisfied: They are supposed to limit their consumption to 200 liters per day per person, while all of the city's hotels together account for nine percent of water consumption and are allowed to continue filling their pools:
Josep Sabate, demonstrator:
»It is indecent that, given the situation we are in, the aim is to worry or not to worry the tourists. Because the real problem is that our land is drying up, our rivers are drying up and we could end up in a difficult situation. Given this situation, it is not possible for sectors such as tourism to dictate the regulations and policies of water management in Catalonia and especially in Barcelona.«
Tourists are made aware of the situation via billboards at well-known sights such as the Sagrada Familia. But this has no consequences.
Nicolas Cetra, tourist:
»We actually didn't notice the drought at all, we only noticed it through some signs on the streets. We didn't watch the news, so that was the only way we could find out."
Stephanie Boch, tourist:
»I heard in the news that there are water restrictions in Barcelona, that the city is affected by the drought, and so we informed the children, we made them aware of it, but of course they only stay for three days here, they don't necessarily take that into account. But we feel it, all the wells are without water. We feel it. And then the vegetation is very, very dry.”
The authorities appeal to tourists to take personal responsibility. But business is business
David Mascort, Climate Minister of Catalonia:
»I think it doesn't matter whether there are showers on the beaches or not. It is important that we know how to convey the message that tourists can still come. That they won't have as much water as they would under normal circumstances, but that they can lead a normal life.
The effects of climate change are worsening across southern Europe. And the drought in Barcelona could exacerbate the existing discontent among the population about mass tourism. Many people would already like to “turn off the tap” to tourism.