PARTS of Spain have been forced to ban the filling up of swimming pools due to drought.
It comes as the country is suffering one of its hottest weekends in history, with a majority of the country on alert for high temperatures.
The affected towns include Toras, El Toro and Barracas, which are all situated in the province of Castellon, immediately north of Valencia on the north-eastern coast.
Meanwhile, a string of other coastal areas popular with Brits have been placed on alert.
The mayors of all three municipalities issued a joint statement on Friday, pleading with residents to ‘use water responsibly’.
They said the increase in population due to tourists during the summer meant the amount of available public water had ‘lowered considerably’.
They said the measures are designed ‘to avoid problems with the supply of drinking water in the future’.
The towns have also eliminated the watering of parks and gardens and the filling up of municipal swimming pools.
They have also announced the closure of municipal fountains.
“Without everyone’s collaboration, it will be impossible to achieve a reduction in water consumption and thus avoid problems with the supply of drinking water,” they warned.
They said the water situation is ‘worrying’ in many parts of Valencia, including; Cenia-Maestrazgo, Mijares-Plana de Castellon, Palancia-Los Valles, Bajo Jucar, Serpis, Marina Alta, Marina Baja and Vinalopo-Alacanti.
Four areas are facing an emergency in terms of water supply, comprised of Cenia-Maestrazgo, Palancia-Los Valles, Marina Baja and Marina Alta, while another three are on alert; Mijares-Plana de Castellon, Serpis and Vinalopo-Alacanti.
Marina Alta includes many towns popular with British expats and tourists, including Denia, Javea and Calpe.
