British tourists anxiously wait as major Spanish decision could ruin winter breaks

Brits set to jet to Spain on their winter break could have their holiday scuppered by a major decision that could stop them enjoying the pool.

Filling swimming pools and watering gardens has been banned in Malaga and across the Costa Del Sol with new drought restrictions looking inevitable – including for some types of tourist accommodation.

Authorities are scrambling to tighten water usage as Malaga province’s reservoirs are down to 16 percent of their capacity. 

With no rain in sight, emergency measures look like a strong probability. 

The temporary allowances put in place by the Regional Government of Andalusia to refill swimming pools and water gardens have now expired, leaving residents and property owners waiting to see if new measures will be introduced this week.

For Brits, the Costa del Sol is a key winter break destination, with temperatures still reaching high twenties throughout October. However, those looking for a place to stay with a pool may have to rethink.

Private accomodation such as Airbnbs are set to face restrictions on filling and topping-up pools, with certain public pools announcing closures already. There are currently no restrictions on hotel pools, yet this may change with the new announcements.

The Drought Management Commission is set to meet on Thursday, October 10 to discuss reinstating water restrictions on all areas of the Costa Del sol and Malaga province. This would involve cutting water supply during certain hours of the day, as well as a temporary ban on certain usages of water. 

According to Euro Weekly News, the property administrators’ association (CAF) has already sent out a warning to everyone reminding people that water for human consumption can’t be used for things like washing streets, filling pools, watering gardens, or even washing cars unless it’s at an authorised location.

The previous restrictions came into force on June 1, allowed for the refilling of swimming pools (communal or private) and the watering of public and private green areas once a week. Showers at the beach were also allowed for those with reduced mobility to use, as well as those in swimming pools.

Reservoir levels in the Malaga province have fallen below 100 cubic hectares, with now less than ten months of water supply for the city and surrounding areas.

Irrigation for agriculture has already been reduced to a minimum leaving some farmers relying on recycled water. 

The meeting on Thursday is set to project and plan water consumption for the next two to three months, with residents urged to keep in mind that it may not rain at all this autumn.