Reservoirs Almost Half Empty: How Tight Palma Is on Water

Reservoirs Almost Half Empty: How Tight Palma Is on Water

Last Sunday I briefly stopped by Gorg Blau — what used to be a blue mirror now looked more like a gravelly basin. This is not just a feeling: The reservoirs that supply Palma with drinking water are currently at about 28.25 percent capacity. More precisely: Cúber around 28.56%, Gorg Blau just 27.68%. No one here would sugarcoat that.

Weather shift, but not the solution

The forecast foresees an Atlantic front at the start of next week, says the Balearic meteorologist at Aemet, Miquel Gili. Clouds and a few degrees cooler are in store. But the models indicate it will probably not rain enough to substantially replenish the reserves. In short: a bit of rain, but not a lifeline.

Palma is still supplied — but with tricks

The city administration has so far signaled no immediate rationing. Llorenç Bauzà, head of the municipal supplier Emaya, tries to reassure: the supply is secure, restrictions are not planned for the moment. On the other hand, he emphasizes that the situation is complicated. No contradiction, I think — you can reassure without glossing over the reality.

Palma draws water not only from the reservoirs. Wells, groundwater aquifers, desalination plants and treated water sources supplement the system. That's good — and expensive. Desalination is no stroll: it costs money and energy, and consumption remains the most important lever.

Who is on alert, who is pre-alerted?

On the island, statuses vary: Some consumption areas are already under alarm, others are in pre-alarm. Especially in Artà and the island's low-lying areas. Also Manacor–Felanitx, Palma–Alcúdia and parts of the North and South Tramuntana are on the watch list. That means: locally, different measures may be possible, depending on need.

What to do now — practical tips

The authorities are asking for prudent use. This is not a call to panic, but to thoughtfulness. A few simple things would help:

• Do not water the garden every evening; a quick watering in the morning is better.
• Shower instead of bath, turn off the water while brushing your teeth.
• And yes: fix dripping taps. It’s cheaper than you think.

Maybe this sounds banal, but small savings add up — especially in an island grid that, with little rainfall, quickly reaches its limits.

What happens next

If the coming months stay dry, debates will intensify: more investments in desalination, stricter rules for agriculture or more restrictive municipal measures. Nobody wants broad restrictions. Still, it’s clear: prevention and a prudent daily routine are the best things we can do right now.

Conclusion: Palma currently has enough water for daily life, but the buffer is slim. Anyone who was at Gorg Blau yesterday will notice it immediately. And those who don't believe it should drive by the reservoirs early in the morning — the reality is unambiguous.