Drought in Galicia forces to declare the alert and activate restrictions in 32 municipalities

The regional government of Galicia has declared a water scarcity alert and imposed restrictions in 32 municipalities due to ongoing drought conditions. The alert was activated on August 11, 2026, affecting the hydrographic systems of the Lérez River in Pontevedra and the Anllóns River along the coast near A Coruña, extending up to the border with Arteixo. These two basins were previously under a prealert status since early July. As part of the alert measures, the autonomous government approved restrictions equivalent to those typically applied during a full alert scenario within the municipal system of Baiona, a town in Pontevedra. The alert entered into effect on August 14, 2026, with corresponding restrictions being implemented in the affected areas. Local authorities confirmed that these restrictions remain in place, following initial measures introduced on Tuesday, August 11. The city council of Pontevedra stated that they would maintain the current level of restrictions unless further reductions in the flow of the Lérez River necessitate stricter controls. This decision follows a recent meeting where officials evaluated the situation and determined that the existing measures remained appropriate for the current conditions. The drought has led to reduced river flows and lower reservoir levels, prompting the need for emergency water management actions. The Lérez River, which runs through Pontevedra, has seen a notable decline in its water volume, raising concerns among local authorities. The Anllóns River, which borders the coastal region of A Coruña, has also been impacted, contributing to the overall severity of the situation. Both rivers are critical for agricultural irrigation, domestic use, and ecological balance in the area. The declaration of the alert marks a significant escalation in the response to the ongoing drought. Previously, the region had been operating under a prealert status, which involves monitoring and preliminary measures to prevent more severe impacts. Now, with the formal alert in place, stricter limitations on water usage have been enforced. These include restrictions on non-essential water consumption, such as outdoor watering and certain industrial activities, while ensuring that essential services continue to receive priority access. Local governments in the affected municipalities have coordinated with the regional administration to implement the new restrictions effectively. In some cases, temporary water rationing has been introduced, particularly in areas where water reserves have reached critically low levels. Residents have been advised to conserve water and avoid unnecessary usage, with information campaigns launched to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable practices during this period of environmental stress. The prolonged dry spell has raised questions about long-term water security in the region. Climate data indicates that Galicia has experienced above-average temperatures and below-average rainfall over the past several months, exacerbating the effects of the drought. Environmental experts warn that continued high temperatures and irregular precipitation patterns could lead to more frequent and severe drought episodes in the future, requiring sustained investment in infrastructure and conservation strategies. As the situation develops, local authorities will continue to monitor water levels and adjust restrictions accordingly. The possibility of further tightening measures remains open, depending on how the weather conditions evolve. For now, the focus remains on managing the immediate crisis while preparing for potential longer-term challenges related to climate change and resource sustainability.