Spanish towns and other regions impose water restrictions amid drought

Municipal authorities in several Spanish provinces have introduced or intensified water‑saving measures as drought conditions worsen. The town of Villanueva del Trabuco imposed fines of up to €3,000 for improper water use, while Betanzos city council banned pool filling, car washing and garden irrigation. O Porriño, A Guarda, Lalín and Forcarei have also limited irrigation of public green spaces, prohibited non‑essential uses such as filling private pools, and urged residents to adopt reduced‑consumption habits. The measures follow pre‑alert levels declared by regional hydrographic confederations, with river flows reported up to 45 % below normal.

In Uruguay, the National Emergency System announced that the country has moved from planning to implementation of its response to the anticipated El Niño 2026‑27, coordinating agencies and preparing resources to mitigate potential floods and infrastructure damage. Meanwhile, in Colombia, water utility Veolia Aguas del Norte de Santander outlined a contingency plan for Cúcuta, including increased river Zulia water capture and coordination with authorities to secure water supply if El Niño‑related dryness occurs.

These actions reflect a broader regional effort to safeguard water resources and maintain essential services amid reduced precipitation and rising demand.