Water Crisis in Valldemossa: Parts of the Village Already Without Tap Water

Water Shortage Hits Valldemossa Hard

For days, taps in parts of Valldemossa have been running only barely. In some upper districts, there is no tap water at all. Anyone who climbs the stairs to the Cartoixa in the morning now sees more buckets, jerrycans, and neighbors standing at the fountain — or at least trying.

Why now?

The situation is a mix of prolonged drought, low groundwater levels, and a series of unfortunate circumstances: pumps operate at reduced pace, reservoirs fill slowly, and a power outage a few weeks ago prevented the storage from replenishing normally, according to the municipality. At the same time, demand increases from day-trippers and guests – Valldemossa is no longer a sleepy mountain village, but a popular destination, especially on nice October days.

What the municipality is doing

The town hall has gradually lowered water pressure to stretch the reserves. There was a clear directive: garden irrigation and filling private pools are forbidden. Authorities speak of time-limited measures but warn that further declines could lead to additional restrictions. There are also emergency plans for mobile tank deliveries should certain sectors run completely dry.

How people are reacting

In the neighborhood around the Carrer de la Cartoixa, you see shop owners in the early morning running their coffee machines under penny-pinching checks, and older residents going to the municipal source with worn-out canisters. Some have started placing rainwater containers on balconies – yes, even in October. Neighbors help each other, bring water bottles by, or exchange tips: fix dripping taps, keep showers short, collect dishes in a single sink.

The situation on the island

Valldemossa is not alone. Other communities in Serra de Tramuntana and in the island’s west have reported similar shortages – from fragile reservoirs to consumptions rising faster than planned. Places like Estellencs or Sóller have already faced tighter allocations in recent weeks. The island administration is watching the situation and hopes the announced autumn rain would relieve many pressures.

Practical tips for residents and visitors

Anyone living in Valldemossa or visiting can help immediately: use water only for drinking and cooking, avoid watering plants, run washing machines only when full, and reduce showers to two minutes. Small measures add up. And if you see a local shop owner – a coffee or a kind word goes a long way.

Conclusion: Valldemossa faces a real challenge: drying wells, busy hiking trails, and limited reserves. In the short term, conserve. In the long term, there will be discussions about better storage and more resilient technology – but that’s another chapter. For now: conserve water, help neighbors, and hope the skies cooperate soon.