Sóller breathes a sigh of relief: water-saving rules lifted — rain brings a respite

Sóller breathes a sigh of relief: tap water once again more available, but caution still advised

Late on Thursday afternoon the news from the town hall spread through the valley's cafés and WhatsApp groups: Sóller turns off the tap: Showers off, pools forbidden — how the town is dealing with drought have been lifted. On the Plaça some market traders briefly put their watering cans down — the normally strict saving at the tap can be relaxed for the time being. Still, the official announcement carries a tone of caution — as if the rainy weather is a welcome breath, but not yet a deep sigh of all-clear.

What changes — and what remains

At the end of August, strict measures were put in place in Sóller: no refilling of private pools, no watering during the hottest hours, and limited cleaning of terraces and vehicles. That was an unusual step that stayed in the memory of many residents and business owners and was detailed in Sóller Turns Off the Tap: Pools Closed, Strict Water Restrictions. Now pools may be refilled again and gardens can be watered during the day. However, the municipal administration urges people not to fall back into old habits — the release is tied to responsible use.

Reason for the easing: In recent days local showers and thunderstorms, particularly in the higher parts of the Serra de Tramuntana, have finally brought water back to the streams, as noted in AEMET weather warnings. The inflows above the valley are filling, some wells are showing rising groundwater levels, and the municipal collection points are delivering more stable quantities. The figures from the town hall document a clear increase in flow volumes — enough to lift the temporary restrictions, but not enough to replace long-standing caution; this follows broader regional alerts described in Water alarm in Mallorca: Seven municipalities turn off the tap — is saving alone enough?.

At the market the topic can be heard between the clatter of fruit crates and the vendors' calls: "It poured up there, hardly anything down here," one farmer sums up. Indeed, the effects are very local: the higher gardens and terraces above Fornalutx breathe much easier, while lower districts still occasionally suffer dry spots. Two municipal swimming pools that were closed during the shortages are to reopen — the dates, however, remain dependent on further developments in water levels. Anyone planning a spontaneous dip should check the notices at the pools or the municipal information.

A word of praise to the neighbourhood: In the announcement the administration explicitly thanks residents and businesses. The collective discipline helped stabilise the supply — a small, local example of how community in the valley can work. Those who drink their café con leche on the Plaça in the morning can in future hear the hum of irrigation systems with a little less guilt.

Rain as an opportunity: establish sustainable habits now

The weather break is not only a relief, it is also an opportunity. Those planning planting work, renovations or pool fillings now can also incorporate sustainable measures: drip or timed irrigation systems, cisterns for rainwater harvesting, covering pools or collecting condensation from balcony boxes are simple steps that reduce consumption and costs in the long term. Small investments make a difference, and many craftsmen from the valley now offer tailored solutions.

The municipal administration also sees a chance to continue: better information about consumption peaks, grant programmes for rainwater storage or staggered watering schedules could help make future dry periods less painful. It is a pragmatic outlook: rain has helped calm the situation — but Sóller is not immune to future heat and drought phases.

A short cheer — but no free pass

If you inhale the scent of wet earth during the next thunderstorm with open windows, you may allow yourself a brief joy: a small victory for the valley. At the same time, this is not a licence for wasteful use of tap water. A sensible drop here, a cistern there, and watering in the early morning instead of at midday — these are simple rituals that can change a lot over time. And afterwards you are welcome to pour yourself a glass of tap water, let your gaze roam over the Serra and enjoy the sounds of the Plaça — with the knowledge that prudence in water use is still required.