Rain and Snow Refill the Reserves: A Little Relief for Mallorca

Rain and Snow Refill the Reserves: A Little Relief for Mallorca

Palma benefits, but saving is still necessary

On Passeig del Born a mild wind blows today, shopkeepers are stocking up on vegetables, and moisture still glitters on the roofs of Palma — small signs that the precipitation of recent weeks has had an effect here. The water balance of the Balearic Islands has noticeably improved: overall, the archipelago's reserves now stand at about 49 percent of storage capacity.

For Mallorca this means a rise from 48 to 49 percent. On Menorca the level rose to 46 percent, Ibiza is at around 48 percent. Someone having their morning coffee at the Mercado de Santa Catalina might not notice much. For the water supply, however, this is a visible recovery after drier months, as discussed in Small Rain, Big Impact? Why Mallorca's Water Balance Raises Doubts.

Important for Palma are the two drinking water reservoirs in the mountains: Gorg Blau and Cúber. Together the reservoirs that supply the city are currently at about 41.23 percent of their total fill. Gorg Blau measures around 45.9 percent — about three percentage points more than a year ago — Cúber is at just under 33.9 percent and thereby practically at last year's level, a situation examined in Mallorca: Reservoirs remain conspicuously empty despite rain and snow.

At the operational level this means: Emaya, the municipal supplier, currently sees no reason to introduce water restrictions in Palma. That suits many: gardeners in Son Espases can breathe a little easier, and the small cafés in Plaça Major do not immediately have to consider drastic savings.

The situation is nonetheless more varied than it appears at first glance. Some consumption zones have improved: the Manacor–Felanitx zone is now back to the normal level, as are Mallorca-South and Formentera. Other regions, such as the Mallorca lowlands and the area of Artà, remain in warning mode, all other units at pre-warning level. A look at the map shows how unevenly water is distributed across the island.

The weather situation could help further: the state weather service AEMET announces for the coming week a trough of low pressure that should bring rain from Friday evening until about January 21. If the forecast comes true, it could further fill the reservoirs — although not equally in all parts of the island.

What the numbers mean in practice: an increase of a few percentage points relieves the pressure, but it does not create a lasting buffer for hot and dry summers. The experience in the streets of Palma shows it: the local economy, gardeners and households notice small differences immediately. A few practical everyday tips can help keep the new plus for longer — water more sparingly in the evening, check for drip-free pipes, collect rainwater in cisterns where possible.

For Mallorca the current development is a good sign. It is not a reason for complacency, but a cause for relief, a reminder that Rain wasn't enough: Why Mallorca's reservoirs remain low. If the mountains continue to catch snow and rain, the reservoirs will refill. Until then it remains a community task: every saved shower, every repaired pipe helps so that the island has enough water next summer.

Summary: Balearic reservoirs at around 49 percent; Mallorca at 49 percent; Gorg Blau approx. 45.9 percent, Cúber approx. 33.9 percent; reservoirs for Palma total ≈ 41.23 percent. Emaya currently plans no restrictions. AEMET forecasts rain for the end of the week.