Spain: Authorities maintain water supply restrictions in parts of Catalonia as of March 18

As of March 18, officials are maintaining water restrictions in parts of Catalonia in response to supply shortages caused by drought. The restrictions have been ongoing since Feb. 2. Catalonian water reservoirs are reportedly at just under 15% capacity. The following restrictions are in place:

• Emergency II: Residences are limited to 180 liters per day. Residential use must drop by 25%, industrial use by 25%, livestock use by 50%, and agricultural use by 80%. These restrictions affect 12 municipalities: Cabenes, Cadaques, Castello d'Empuries, figueres, Fortia, Llers, Riumors, Roses, Santa Llogaia d'Alguema, Vilamalla, Vila-Sacra, and El Far d'Emporda.

• Emergency I: Residences are limited to 200 liters per day. Industrial use must drop by 25%, livestock use by 50%, and agricultural use by 80%. These restrictions cover 238 municipalities, including the entirety of Barcelona, and 5.9 million people as of March 18.

Commercial disruptions are possible through late March, especially for companies that rely on large quantities of municipal water for operations. Minor protests may occur in response to the shortages.