New water regulation measures in Mijas due to the drought

As we all know, there is an emergency situation affecting our community and the whole Costa del Sol. The Junta de Andalucia has declared a situation of «serious and exceptional shortage» due to the drought in our region.

The Town Hall of Mijas, to which our community belongs, issued a proclamation on 13 November 2023, which is still in force, requesting the maximum cooperation of its citizens and obliging the adoption of measures to restrict the use of drinking water. These measures include a ban on watering gardens, golf courses, washing streets, filling private swimming pools, washing cars, among others.

As the situation has not improved, Acosol, which is the public company managing the integral water cycle for the municipalities of the Western Costa del Sol region and the Mijas Town Hall have taken new measures to manage water resources in the face of the drought, highlighting the reduction of water consumption and investments in infrastructure to ensure the supply.

For a better understanding, we will try to break down the main measures:

Supply regulation: Gradual reduction of water pressure in the whole of the Western Costa del Sol, including Mijas, from 21st February.
Limitation: From 200 litres per inhabitant/day to 160 litres. This is an order of the Andalusian Drought Committee.
Restrictions on use: The Prohibitions included in the Drought Decree are maintained, such as irrigation with drinking water of gardens, golf courses, filling of swimming pools, and cleaning of vehicles, etc.
Timetable limitations: Reduction of pressure at night, with possible lack of supply mainly in high areas and buildings without a cistern, between 00:00h and 6:00h, except Saturdays.
Investments for supply: A new Decree-Law announces the extension of the desalination plant in Marbella and the creation of new desalination plants in Estepona and Fuengirola.
Sanctions: Measures against excessive and unscrupulous consumption, with special attention to exaggerated consumption. The Mijas Town Hall is drafting a new regulation with more sanctions.
Citizen collaboration: Call for reduction of consumption and awareness of water scarcity.
Ordinance and sanctions: In these ordinances, sanctions are established for non-compliance with the measures.
Regional coordination: These new measures are agreed in the Costa del Sol drought tables formed by all the municipalities, as is the case of Mijas, as well as the Mancomunidad and Acosol, together with all the operators that provide service in the region.