Water levels on Mallorca fall: Palma holds out, farmers worry

The view of the reservoirs looks unusually barren

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If you drive up the winding road toward Gorg Blau early this week, you first think of an abandoned construction site: exposed rocks, a hard shoreline, and island sounds that would normally be muted by the water. The two drinking-water reservoirs, Gorg Blau and Cúber, together sit at just under 28 percent capacity.

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Palma stays calm – for now

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The city administration of Palma has so far held back: no official water bans, no fixed restrictions for households. In a statement, it said that supply is secured by a mix of groundwater, seawater desalination, and treated/recycled sources. It sounds reasonable when you think of the long pipeline network. But it is also a leap of faith that many here would rather see backed up by concrete plans.

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Farmers and gardeners feel it first

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In the countryside, especially in valleys below the Serra de Tramuntana, the situation is more pronounced. An olive farmer in Bunyola told me at the fence that he has throttled the drip lines because the wells are delivering less. "I shower briefly in the morning, then it starts," he said with a laugh, but you could hear the thoughts behind it — this is no vacation conversation anymore.

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Meteorologists expect an Atlantic front next Monday. Good news: some rain. Bad news: little of it. Forecasts speak of isolated showers that would raise the level at most slightly.

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What does that mean for residents and tourists?

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For most households, the rule is to continue as normal for now, but with prudence. A few simple recommendations remain sensible: shower shorter, reduce irrigation windows, wash the car less often. In many neighborhoods you already see small signs with practical tips – not dramatic, rather pragmatic.

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A detail at the side: In the parking lot below the dam wall, an older couple parks every morning to watch birds. They said the appearance of the shore has changed in two years – and no, they are not scientists, just good observers.

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Supply secured, but an uncertain future

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The desalination plant provides, just as do programs for water reuse. That relieves immediate pressure, but the long-term question remains: how weather-proof is our infrastructure for more frequent dry years? That's not a question for tomorrow, but for the next election periods.

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If you head to the beach now: yes, the sea remains blue. If you have plants or run agriculture: plan ahead. And if you're sitting in a cafe on Plaça and pondering the weather – feel free to ask about the reservoir level. Many people are happy to share, because it concerns everyone.

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In the short term: keep your eyes open, be economical, and cling to the small hope of the coming rain. In the long term: it's time to openly discuss real Plan B and C – not only for Palma, but for the whole island.