Ahead of the summer vacations, Tourists should be aware of water restrictions in popular European destinations or risk hefty fines. The bathroom experts at Posh.co.uk have revealed six locations where travellers may encounter shower and bath constraints, along with guidance on how to comply with rules.
Popular holiday destinations in Europe have already begun implementing strict new rules amid ongoing droughts. Ahead of the summer season, tight restrictions have been implemented in locations such as Barcelona and Sicily with growing concerns they could run out of water.
In the Costa del Sol, the Benalmádena City Council has provisionally approved fines of between 6,000 and 600,000 euros, for people flouting drought measures. In Barcelona, people have been limited to 200 litres of water per person a day, and there are talks of introducing bathroom meters to monitor water usage around Spain to fine those overindulging.
Andy Ellis, bathroom expert at Posh.co.uk, said: “Ahead of the summer season, strict rules have already been introduced in popular European destinations which will directly affect tourists. Aside from bans on topping up swimming pools, washing cars, and watering private gardens which affect residents, many places are cracking down on excessive water usage from holidaymakers.
“Failure to comply with many shower and bathing regulations could lead to eye-watering fines of 600,000 euros in extreme cases, so it is important to research before jetting off. Showers have been banned on the beach in parts of Tenerife, while in Spain there are plans for water meters to be installed near hotel bathrooms which will charge guests extra for excessive water use.”
Here is Posh.co.uk guide for bathroom water usage abroad :
Catalonia, Spain:
Catalonia, which includes Barcelona, has declared a drought emergency and tourists have been told to shower less and limit water usage to 200 litres per person, with a five-minute shower being around 90 litres. Officials have been forced to switch off public showers and pools to save water, and water pressure has been lowered.
Sicily, Italy:
More than 850,000 people in Sicily are seeing their water being rationed, and water rations could reach 45 per cent. The water there has been described as ‘gold’ and inhabitants are filling their bathtubs with tanks and bottles at the nearest city fountain or rainwater from collected rainwater.
Costa del Sol, Spain:
Anyone who fails to obey drought measures in Costa del Sol risks fines of up to €600,000. Malaga has limited inhabitants to 160 litres of water per day, and water pressure has been lowered. In other parts of Spain, there is also talk of installing water meters near hotel bathrooms so guests who use more water will have to pay extra.
Morocco:
The Moroccan government has had to take action to curb excessive water usage and has closed its famous public baths three days a week, despite it being a tradition there.
Tenerife, Fasnia:
In Fasnia the government has introduced tough new water restrictions, including not using showers on the beaches. After one of the driest winters in history for the island, it is likely other parts of the island will introduce such measures as more tourists arrive.
France, Eastern Pyrenees:
A three-year-long drought in Eastern Pyrenees has meant the district has taken almost 30 measures to conserve water. One of these measures includes building hotels with fewer bathtubs.
You must be logged in to post a comment.