With Catalonia currently in the ‘pre-emergency’ phase of a drought alert, which is a transition between the previous ‘exceptional’ phase and the most serious ’emergency’ alert – it means that the permitted daily use per person has now been lowered from 230 to 210 litres of water per day.
Sitges had maintained a consumption of around 230 litres during the exceptional phase, except in the last two months: 261 in September and 251 in October. For this reason, the council, which recognises that consumption was excessive in September, has received a penalty from the Catalan Water Agency (ACA) for this month, of €50,000.
However, compared to the rest of the region during this period, the consumption in Sitges has been below Olivella (411), Canyelles (355) or Cubelles (306); and in relation to other tourist towns of the same size, it has had a similar consumption: Salou (278) or Lloret de Mar (244).
In light of the new restrictions and higher consumption in September and October, the local council wants to find out who the ‘big consumers’ are. Municipal sources point out that it could most likely be the big hotels, which they will address to ask for ‘an even more rational use of water’, because they are aware that they are already taking actions.
The Sitges Hospitality Guild has also stated that it is working both on raising awareness among customers and on recommending the changing of equipment so that is more efficient.
ALSO READ: Catalonia in ‘pre-emergency’ drought alert, and may need water shipped in.
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