Catalonia is expected to avoid further emergency water use restrictions due to its worst drought on record, according to a regional official.
David Mascort, the Catalonian regional government's environmental chief, stated that avoiding phase two requires minimal rainfall.
Residents and farmers are required to reduce water usage by 5% and up to 80% in the first phase of restrictions, with Mascort suggesting easing some restrictions, such as lifting the ban on communal swimming pool filling.
Rainfall could prevent a second wave of measures in a state of emergency affecting six million people in 200 towns and cities, including Barcelona, Spain's second-largest city.
Catalonia could drop its state of emergency if the same low rain levels as last year, ranging from 150 to 200 liters per square meter over a one to two week period, are maintained.
In an interview, he stated that reservoir levels will be increased from their current 15% to 20% of their capacity.
He expressed concern about the possibility of rain, stating that they had been anticipating it for three years.
A 2022 study indicates that parts of the Iberian peninsula are experiencing their driest period in 1,200 years, prompting officials to consider importing water by ship for essential services.
Barcelona would require additional water from a desalination plant near Valencia, Tarragona, and Marseille if there isn't enough rain, according to Mascort.
Mascort reported a 16% decrease in water use in certain areas, with overall consumption being lower than in nearby areas.
People's diligent efforts have enabled us to endure 40 months of drought.
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