BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Spain’s Catalonia region will ease restrictions on water use for a wide area including Barcelona after recent rainfall palliated a prolonged drought, regional authorities said Tuesday.
Catalonia declared a drought emergency in February when its reservoirs fell under 16% capacity after nearly three years of below-average rainfall. But steady rain in recent weeks has boosted reserves to nearly 25%. Spain’s reservoirs overall are at 66% full.
The loosened restrictions mean that some 6 million people will now see individual use limits increased from 200 to 230 liters per day (53 to 61 gallons). Catalonia’s water agency says the average resident uses 116 liters (30 gallons) per day at home.
Famers will only have to reduce their average uses by 40%, instead of 80%, while industrial users will only have to save 15% compared to 25%.
Met Gala 2024: Rita Ora goes nude in a barely
Aaron Judge tossed for 1st time, Rizzo hits 3
Georgian protesters against 'Russia
College protests: Police clash with pro
St. Louis Blues remove interim tag and name Drew Bannister full
Texas floods: Rescue works underway as forecasters predict more rainfall
New Orleans' own PJ Morton returns home to Jazz Fest with new music
Arrested US soldier awaiting hearing in Russia on theft charges
Blue Jays reinstate outfielder Kevin Kiermaier from injured list
Ancelotti keeps Lunin in goal for Madrid in 2nd leg of Champions League semifinal against Bayern
Cubs hit three home runs and stifle late Brewers rally in series