Water reserves in the province of Malaga have improved. Nevertheless, the Junta de Andalucía is maintaining existing restrictions to protect water supplies. This is according to the latest drought management measures, published in the region’s official bulletin. The reservoirs of the Guadalhorce-Limonero system have been upgraded from ‘serious’ to ‘heavy’ status. The western Costa del Sol has reached a more stable situation. It formally remains at ‘moderate’ level. Only the Axarquía region remains at a severe drought status, although water reserves in La Viñuela have increased significantly.

Above the threshold

On Tuesday, the Guadalhorce and Casasola reservoirs together recorded 88 million cubic metres of water. This is well above the threshold of 71.4 million required to consider a further change in status. La Concepción, a medium-sized reservoir serving the western Costa del Sol, currently holds 37.89 million cubic metres of water. For the coming months, expected inflows from this reservoir are set at 2.759 million cubic metres in January, 2.523 million in February and 2.938 million in March. Despite these improvements in water reserves, consumption restrictions remain in place. Residents of the western Costa del Sol will be limited to 225 litres of water per day. The rest of the province is limited to 200 litres per day. Water supplies to the Viñuela system remain suspended, with maximum use being made of alternative sources such as underground wells and natural springs.

Axarquía region remains most vulnerable

The Axarquía region remains the most vulnerable, but is benefiting from a significant increase in water reserves. The La Viñuela reservoir currently holds 35.69 million cubic metres of water, almost three times as much as last year at this time. However, the region continues to depend on underground sources, such as the Chíllar River, which must provide at least 80 litres per second. In addition, the emphasis remains on exploiting non-traditional water sources, such as desalinated and recycled water. Under certain conditions, this water can also be used for garden irrigation, for example. Although the situation is improving, caution is still required and existing restrictions will not be relaxed for the time being.

Photo: Conde de Guadalhorce Reservoir in Malaga.

Seize commercial opportunities on the Costa del Sol? We know how!