A Wet September — Still No Water Miracle for Mallorca

Careful relief at Cúber: more water, but no free pass

Those who walk along the MA-10 by the Cúber reservoir in the morning know the picture: thick mist over the surface, the crunch of wet pebbles underfoot and the air smelling of wet stone. After a rainy September the island paused briefly — official reserves rose from about 43 to 45 percent, according to a report on reservoirs filling slightly after September rains. A visible sign, not a victory, as a reality check shows reservoirs can remain low despite rain.

The nagging question: Is one month enough?

Simple answer: No. A single wet month doesn’t make up for several dry years. Meteorologically, average rainfall in the Balearic Islands is about 67 l/m², Mallorca saw about 58 l/m² in September, while the long-term climate value is around 66 l/m². The Pityusic Islands brought more rain — that improves the numbers on maps, but on the main island the result remains muted.

Regional differences: No uniform upswing

The relief is uneven. Five supply zones remain in pre-alarm: Manacor–Felanitx, the south, Palma–Alcúdia as well as North and South Tramuntana. Lowlands and Artà are at alarm level. For farmers this means: wells that replenish slower, shorter irrigation windows and increased uncertainty. On farms in Felanitx you can see hoses left idle more often — and that’s not a photo opportunity but a matter of survival.

Evaporation, groundwater and invisible losses

Evaporation and pipe losses often get too little attention. September was on average about 1 °C warmer than usual. That sounds small but means: more evaporation, less recharge of aquifers. At the same time the network loses water before it reaches households or fields. Old pipes, poor pressure control and undetected cracks play a role. Rain falls, but not all of it stays where we need it.

What is rarely discussed loudly

The debate remains stuck on monthly and reservoir statistics. Less noticed is the connection between short-term storage levels and long-term decisions: decentralized storage systems, subsidized cisterns for farmers, modern irrigation technology or systematic reuse of treated wastewater. The costs and energy use of desalination are also often considered in isolation instead of being related to tourism-driven water demand.

Concrete, pragmatic steps

There are measures that bring short-term relief and have medium-term impact:

1. Capture rain better: subsidized cisterns for farms and hotels, infiltration areas in new developments.

2. Reduce losses: prioritize pipe repairs, digital pressure control and active leak detection.

3. Water reuse: expand wastewater treatment for agriculture, parks and golf courses.

4. Create incentives: differentiated tariffs, subsidies for drip and precision irrigation, tax incentives for water-saving investments.

5. Transparency and local coordination: municipal consumption targets, transparent action plans and citizen participation — so closures and restrictions are understood.

Looking ahead: What October could bring

Meteorologists expect chances of Atlantic lows in October. What matters is not only the amount but the distribution. Heavy rain in the west helps where it falls, but does little for wells in the south. The island needs evenly distributed rainfall and management that can act locally.

My conclusion: Relief yes, all-clear no

The wet September was a start, not the end of the dry spell. At Cúber you can hear the water, the road is quieter, the earth smells fresh — and still vigilance is required. In the short term every bit of restraint helps: less wasteful garden care, responsible hotel services, support for local initiatives. In the medium term Mallorca needs investments in storage, pipes and reuse. Then the brief sigh of relief could become a steadier breath.