Segovia has implemented new water restrictions: the City Council prohibits irrigation with mains water in parks and gardens, both municipal and private, to ensure domestic water supply in the absence of rain.
The decree, signed by Mayor José MazarÃas, comes into force on October 10 and will be maintained until the reserves are returned to safe conditions; the decision is based on the Article 60 of the Water Law, which prioritizes supply to the population.
Why the ban is adopted
The measure comes in a context of very tight reserves in the Pontón Alto and Puente Alta reservoirs, with special concern for the latter, which shares resources with several surrounding municipalities.
The persistence of the prolonged drought and unclear rainfall forecasts have reduced the reservoir volume and raised concerns about the availability of water for human consumption.
What the decree entails and who it affects
Irrigation of green areas is suspended when used drinking water from the municipal network, both in public and privately owned spaces, with the aim of reducing non-priority uses.
The restriction will be temporary and will be lifted. when the causes disappear that motivate it; the City Council will communicate any changes as soon as levels have been restored.
Status of reserves and short-term scenarios
The City Council estimates that, if it does not rain, availability could cover the demand for approximately for a month, so preventive measures have been activated to avoid a critical scenario.
According to the Sustainability area, the Puente Alta reservoir is around 30% capacity; the system also relies on Pontón Alto and the Madrona aquifer, but to reach the Rancho del Feo DWTP it is necessary pumping, with the consequent energy cost.
If the water situation worsens, the local government is considering a second phase that could include the temporary closure of public fountains in squares, without specifying additional measures at the moment until seeing the evolution of the rains.
Regional impact and coordination with the CHD
The Puente Alta system supplies Segovia and the Commonwealth of Dead Women (La Losa, Otero de Herreros, Navas de RiofrÃo and Ortigosa del Monte), as well as Revenga and areas of Palazuelos de Eresma, which increases the pressure on the reservoir.
Following the emptying of the El Tejo reservoir by the Duero Hydrographic Confederation, El Espinar receives water from Revenga; to relieve the capital, the City Council plans to boost flows from Pontón Alto to the Ugly Ranch and requests that the CHD assume the energy cost of pumping, a request for which they await a definitive response.
Regional officials warn that, without precipitation, Puente Alta is not enough for everyone Several municipalities are studying alternatives; the temporary transfer to Rancho del Feo is not yet operational, and according to the City Council, the CHD is making its implementation conditional on Segovia covering maintenance costs from day one.
The municipal team emphasizes its willingness to maintain the solidarity with El Espinar, but believes that the costs of emptying El Tejo should be borne by the Confederation; the lack of fixed deadlines for this project prolongs the uncertainty.
Call for savings and good practices
The City Council asks residents, businesses and groups to use responsible and prudent of water, and that unnecessary consumption be avoided while the emergency situation lasts.
- Prioritize essential uses and postpone ornamental watering or non-essential washdowns.
- Reduce cleaning frequency of exteriors and washing vehicles with mains water.
- Review facilities for detect leaks and improve efficiency in homes and businesses.
- Optimize processes in hospitality and commerce to minimize consumption without affecting the service.
Legal framework and monitoring
The side is protected by the Consolidated Text of the Water Law, which establishes the preference for supplying the population over any other use; the City Council will inform when possible lift restrictions or if they had to be hardened.
The capital faces key weeksThe ban on irrigation with mains water is intended to conserve resources while pumping to Rancho del Feo is determined and sufficient rainfall arrives, with a call for the cooperation of all citizens.
