The general management of Turisme is studying establishing a line of subsidies for the tourism sector (campsites) so that they can adapt their swimming pools to the use of desalinated water. The Government will not modify the special drought plan, so filling or refilling swimming pools will continue to be prohibited in the current emergency phase. The only exception is if sea water is used.
In any case, Samuel Reyes, director of the ACA, clarifies that if sea water is used, the saline flow cannot be discharged into the sewage network, "since the salt could damage the sewage and sanitation systems." The option of using seawater in swimming pools is being evaluated by companies in the tourism sector. “It is the worst situation we have experienced so far. The measures that are adopted are to preserve resources to supply people,” he highlights.
On the other hand, Reyes maintains that there is no definition that allows tourism to be considered a “large consumer” sector and that therefore in cases in which a municipal ordinance sets a limit on domestic water consumption for local residents, it must be The same amount should be established for a tourist. “If we travel to other parts of Catalonia to spend the night in a hotel, we are also tourists,” he points out.
Reyes recalled that the town councils are responsible for fulfilling the obligation for the industry to reduce water consumption by 25% (in cases that are connected to the general network). In March, the General Directorate of Industry will call new meetings with the sector to clarify how it can present water saving plans. In response to the concerns expressed by the meat sector regarding the drop in water pressure, Reyes recalls that this measure is a responsibility of the city councils. “The operating companies have to be careful because the water has to reach the hospitals, the hydrants, all the facilities to be able to cook or run a washing machine,” he says.
