Water reserves on the Balearic Islands recover slightly – regional situation remains critical

Slight relief in water supplies – but not everywhere

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Walking through Palma early in the morning, you can feel it: the air seems fresher, the gardens don't look as dried out as a few weeks ago. That is reflected in the numbers as well: water reserves on the Balearics have stabilized noticeably in September and are now at 44 % of total capacity. A small step forward, considering how dry the summer was.

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On the main island the picture is similar: Mallorca around 45 %, Menorca around 41 %. These are not record values, but at least a pause for breath. After a conversation with a farmer in Binissalem, the relief came through: \"When the well stops flowing, you notice it with every olive,\" he said, wiping the sweat from his brow – despite the autumn wind.

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Regional differences remain

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The recovery, however, is unevenly distributed. Especially in the northeast of Mallorca, around Artà, the water levels remain critical. On Ibiza too, some cisterns are still deep. There, many communities depend on relatively small reservoirs and wells – and they do not fill up quickly.

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State authorities and local utilities warn that some areas must continue to expect restrictions. In places with tourist infrastructure, authorities will be watching more closely in the coming weeks. Hotels and golf courses have already started using water more sparingly; some farmers are considering which fields they will still plant this year.

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What could help

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The weather forecast promises autumn rain – not constant, but episodic. Such precipitation could noticeably ease the situation, especially if it arrives over several weeks. In the long term, the debate about storage, efficient irrigation and the reuse of reclaimed water remains current. An acquaintance from Sant Llorenç, who works with small rainwater harvesting systems, called it, quite dryly, \"a matter of priority\".

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Conclusion: The numbers are cautiously optimistic, but it's not a reason to be naive. 44% is better than 40%, but not enough to declare all-clear in all regions. A wet autumn would be very welcome now – for nature, agriculture, and for those who want fresh produce at the market in the morning.