Spain's Water Resource Challenges and Management

Point 2, Item 7: The Problem of Water Resources in Spain

A. Essential Uses of Water in Spain

Water is an essential resource utilized across numerous human activities:

• Agricultural Irrigation: Consumes approximately 80% of total water in Spain.
• Energy Production: Hydropower is a favored water use, driven by industrial energy demand and increasing electricity consumption.
• Urban Consumption: Has increased and now accounts for 14% of the total.
• Waste Disposal: Waste from agriculture, livestock, urban areas, and industry has traditionally been discharged into water bodies.
• Recreational and Other Uses: Activities such as fishing, navigation, and various recreational uses depend on water availability.

B. Unequal Distribution and Water Balance Issues

Although the overall water balance in Spain is positive, several problems limit the usability of resources:

• Irregular Availability: Water supply comes from rivers, which are characterized by seasonal and interannual irregularity and uneven spatial distribution. This results in clear surplus basins, basins with equilibrium between resources and demand, and evident deficit basins.
• Demand Concentration: Demand is concentrated in areas with greater economic dynamism and demographic presence, where resources are scarce.
• Infrastructure Deficit: The current network of dams is insufficient to cover rising demand.
• Water Losses: Significant annual water losses occur due to inadequate irrigation techniques and leakage from pipelines and urban networks.

Water Policy Objectives and Management

Water policy has two main purposes:

Regulation of Water Resources: This is governed by the Water Law, which establishes that surface waters flowing in riverbeds belong to the nation.

Resource management is carried out through:

• Basin Hydrological Plans: These plans identify the needs and necessary works for each basin. They are prepared by the Hydrographic Confederations or the autonomous community governments.
• National Water Plans: These coordinate action plans across basins and establish general water policies. The new program aims to achieve the following objectives:

Key Program Objectives:

• Achieve self-sufficiency for each river basin. Measures include building new hydraulic works to increase water availability and improving water use efficiency.
• Achieve good water quality.
• Prevent floods and droughts.
• Stimulate research and technological innovation.

Infrastructure for Regulation and Supply:

• Waterworks are built to regulate resources and improve water quality.

To regulate rivers, numerous dams, canals, and diversions have been constructed. Dams create large reservoirs where water is stored artificially.

Distribution channels are designed to supply population centers, industry, and irrigation needs. Water transfers are also utilized.

Other water resources are regulated as follows:

• Lakes in the Pyrenees are utilized for hydroelectric power.
• Aquifers are exploited via wells and galleries for agricultural, industrial, and urban use.
• Seawater is utilized through the technique of desalination.