After three years, Barcelona and its region are finally turning their back on a historic drought. It rained heavily in May and June, so much so that the Catalan authorities took the decision to lift the state of emergency. In Barcelona, nature reclaims its rights
In Barcelona, flower beds and bright green grass revive the morale of residents after three years of drought.
•
© Romane Sabathier
Gardens in bloom, bright green lawns, nature in full swing: Barcelona has come a long way. The Catalan capital has completely changed its appearance in recent weeks after the heavy rains which fell on Catalonia. Precipitation which certainly caused flooding and several damages due to hail. But generally, we can speak of relief for the residents.
It’s a real liberation. We had been worried for months. It wasn’t raining, the water tanks were at their lowest. We monitored the levels every day. All that has, a little, disappeared.
Further north, at the foot of the Pyrenees, the river beds have filled up again, the waterfalls are flowing again, almost as if by magic. In three months, the level of the water reservoirs which supply the Catalan region has increased by 14 to 40%.
Fabra Astronomical and Meteorological Observatory of Barcelona
•
© Romane Sabathier
From the Fabra observatory, on the heights of Barcelona, meteorologists are tasked with measuring precipitation. Using different instruments, they calculate the intensity of the rains. After three years of drought, meteorologist Carles Nerin notes that the situation has clearly improved.
During of the 6 last month, il a plu any further what pendant all the year 2023. Il was SO fall 300 litres of water au m² This year, on THE 6 premiers month, on in East déjà has 363 litres.
Carles Nerin, meteorologist Fabra Observatory of Barcelona
Barcelona residents are rediscovering the pleasure of strolling in the parks.
•
© Romane Sabathier
Little by little, Catalonia is turning its back on drought. At least, that’s what everyone hopes. The government of the Generalitat is confident and at the start of the summer season has taken the decision to lower the state of emergency level. Most restrictions have been lifted. Public gardens are watered again, hotels, campsites and individuals can once again fill their swimming pools legally.
Water restrictions lifted in Catalonia as summer season begins, swimming pools can be filled legally.
•
© Romane Sabathier
Despite this improvement in the weather, the drought page is far from being turned and the authorities are cautious. habitants must pursue their effort. Many like Jordi remain aware of the fragility of the situation. “We must continue to be careful. But hey, for several years now people have had a fairly reasonable water consumption.”
With the rains of the last few weeks, Barcelona and Catalonia are transformed. It’s the return of green.
•
© Romane Sabathier
Barcelona it is fera so not, for the moment, to bring water by boat and it will not cut off tap water this summer either. On the other hand, investments concerning the construction of new water desalination plants of mer remain current affairs. A wild card that aims to anticipate future droughts.
Written in collaboration with Henry Villetard de Laguérie.
