UK tourists in Spain risk £51,000 fine for exceeding strict 'quota'

UK tourists in Spain could be slapped with anything betwen £5,000 and £51,000 fines if they break strict water limit rules. Certain areas, including Barcelona, have introduced strict quotas on water usage amid a worrying drought in the European Union holiday hotspot.

"Popular holiday destinations in Europe have already begun implementing strict new rules amid ongoing droughts," explained a water expert from Posh.co.uk. "In the Costa del Sol, the Benalmádena City Council has provisionally approved fines of between €6,000 and €600,000, for people flouting drought measures," counted Posh.co.uk.

"Supplies could also be cut off for up to two days as part of a plan to be deployed in an emergency scenario," they went on. Andy Ellis, bathroom expert at Posh.co.uk, said: “Aside from bans on topping up swimming pools, washing cars, and watering private gardens which affect residents, many places are cracking down on excessive water usage from holidaymakers.

“Failure to comply with many shower and bathing regulations could lead to eye-watering fines of €600,000 in extreme cases, so it is important to research before jetting off. Showers have [previously] been banned on the beach in parts of Tenerife, while in Spain there are plans for water meters to be installed near hotel bathrooms which will charge guests extra for excessive water use.”

In February, Barcelona declared a drought emergency with strict water restrictions imposed in much of the surrounding area. Reservoirs in Andalusia dropped precariously low through the first two months of the year - sparking drastic action affecting locals and tourists alike.

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.

David Mascort, who heads Catalonia's environmental authority, said: “We are in the same situation as last year, but this time, we are better prepared. If in May 2023 some 65% of our water came from our reservoirs, now it is only 50%."

Catalonia’s government spokeswoman, Patrícia Plaja, warned that “the drought is not over.”