As of September 5, 2026, the two demand units linked to the municipality’s water supply—Artà and Manacor-Felanitx—are simultaneously in a drought ALERT status.
The Manacor-Felanitx demand unit entered a state of alert based on data from July 2026. Subsequently, based on data from August, the Artà demand unit also entered a state of alert, a situation announced by the Government of the Balearic Islands on September 5, 2026.
This situation has a direct impact on the municipalities, as the water intakes that supply them are linked to these two demand units.
The measures corresponding to this scenario are regulated by Decree 54/2017, dated December 15, which approves the Special Action Plan for Alert Situations and Potential Drought in the Balearic Islands (PESIB), published in the BOIB No. 155, dated December 19, 2017.
In light of this situation, local governments are implementing and strengthening measures aimed at reducing drinking water consumption, preserving available resources, and prioritizing essential uses.
Mandatory measures under the PESIB
The alert status entails the implementation of various mandatory measures, which vary depending on the type of user or activity. Specifically:
- Single-family homes with their own wells must reduce their water consumption by 20%.
- Tourism establishments must limit water use to outdoor showers, gardens, and swimming pools, in addition to complying with the information and awareness-raising obligations established by the Plan.
- Golf courses with groundwater permits must achieve 100% replacement with recycled water.
- Irrigators who have only a concession to irrigate with groundwater must limit their consumption in accordance with the competent authority’s Plan for the Use of Irrigated Agricultural Plots.
- Water supply management entities must intensify the conservation measures and actions set forth in the PESIB, in accordance with the characteristics of the water supply system.
Additional Measures Adopted
In addition to the mandatory measures, local municipalities in the area have imposed their own restrictions to reduce drinking water consumption in municipal services and facilities:
- Temporary suspension of ornamental fountains and other non-essential uses of water.
- Temporary suspension of foot-washing stations on beaches, which will be clearly marked.
- Reduction in the use of potable water for irrigating municipal gardens and green spaces. Whenever possible, priority will be given to the use of recycled water.
- Reduction in the use of drinking water for street cleaning, with increased use of recycled water.
- Strengthening of monitoring of consumption, water intakes, leaks, and losses in the water supply networks, in coordination with water utilities.
Recommendations for Residents
Beyond the mandatory measures, we ask for the cooperation of all citizens to reduce water consumption while the alert remains in effect.
We especially recommend:
- Limit the use of drinking water for watering gardens as much as possible, and when necessary, do so during times of lower evaporation.
- Avoid using hoses to clean terraces, patios, and other surfaces.
- Avoid washing vehicles at home with tap water and prioritize facilities that have efficient or recirculation systems.
- Repair any leaks or water wastage as soon as possible.
- Whenever possible, avoid filling swimming pools with tap water.
- In general, reduce any non-essential use of drinking water.
Every drop counts
The current situation requires the participation of local governments, public utilities, the business community, and the public.
We ask that you use water responsibly and avoid any non-essential consumption while the drought alert remains in effect.
The measures will be adjusted based on how the situation develops and on instructions from the Balearic Islands Government’s General Directorate of Water Resources.