Spain implements water restrictions amid drought

Ongoing drought conditions across Spain have led to widespread water restrictions and legal prohibitions on several activities. Under the General Traffic Regulations, washing cars on public streets is strictly prohibited nationwide, as it is considered an act of depositing substances that can interfere with traffic or safety. Furthermore, washing vehicles on private property is illegal if the runoff enters public roads.

In several regions, specific municipal bans are in effect to conserve water. In Galicia, 32 municipalities have implemented restrictions, including bans on filling private pools and watering gardens with potable water. In Menorca, several municipalities have limited consumption, prohibiting the cleaning of terraces and facades with hoses. In La Rioja, towns such as Santo Domingo de la Calzada and Ezcaray have issued decrees banning the watering of orchards and the washing of cars.

To mitigate water waste, car washing is largely restricted to authorized businesses that utilize closed-circuit recirculation systems. Private individuals are generally permitted to wash vehicles only using a bucket and sponge to prevent excessive water use.