Es Mercadal approves water management plan to combat drought

Es Mercadal has officially approved a Sustainable Water Management and Drought Emergency Plan to address critical water scarcity in Menorca. The plan aims to improve resource administration through several key strategies, including reducing leaks and losses in the supply network, decreasing general consumption, promoting water reuse, and upgrading existing infrastructure.

The municipality is facing severe challenges, as the Sa Roca aquifer—the local water source—was reported to be at only 26 percent capacity in July, the lowest level in Menorca following years of decline. Current consumption in the area has reached 450.3 liters per inhabitant per day, significantly exceeding the 250-liter target set by the Balearic Hydrological Plan.

To support these efforts, a new water ordinance is being developed with expectations for approval in 2026. The municipality, which has a high reliance on the tourism sector, is also implementing specific measures to manage emergency drought situations.