Andalusia Approves New Water Management Plan Ahead of 2026 Summer

Balancing the Taps as Temperatures Rise

As the province of Seville transitions from a mild spring into the heat of April, the regional government has approved a new water management plan to safeguard reserves for the upcoming summer. Despite an unusually wet March in 2025, the hydrological year of 2025-2026 has been drier than average, leaving reservoirs in the Guadalquivir basin at approximately 42% capacity. While this is an improvement over the critical levels seen two years ago, officials are taking no chances.

The new decree focuses on 'responsible consumption' and introduces moderate restrictions for both agricultural and urban users. For the residents of Seville city and its surrounding towns like Dos Hermanas and Alcalá de Guadaíra, the most immediate impact will be on non-essential water use. The filling of private swimming pools with drinking water is being discouraged, and local councils have been authorised to limit the watering of public parks and the washing of streets.

Technology and Efficiency

A key component of the 2026 plan is the integration of new 'smart' water meters in high-consumption areas. These devices allow the water company, Emasesa, to detect leaks in real-time and provide residents with detailed data on their daily usage via a mobile app. For the expat community, many of whom live in villas with gardens in areas like Aljarafe, the message is to embrace 'Xeriscaping'—the use of native, drought-resistant plants that require minimal irrigation.

The agricultural sector, which accounts for nearly 80% of water usage in the province, is also being asked to make significant adjustments. Subsidies have been increased for the installation of drip irrigation systems, and a new wastewater reclamation plant near the Port of Seville is now providing recycled water for industrial use, freeing up more fresh water for the public supply.

The Summer Outlook

Experts warn that if the current weather patterns continue, the province could face more stringent measures by July. However, the Junta de Andalucía remains optimistic that by acting early in April, the region can avoid the more severe 'emergency' status that led to nighttime pressure reductions in the past. For visitors planning a summer trip to the province, the restrictions are currently invisible, but the underlying push for a more sustainable 'culture of water' is a clear priority for the future of the region.

Source: Europa Press, 12 April 2026