Barcelona is in the unprecedented step of importing water by sea to prevent a water crisis caused by extreme drought. The emergency measure, starting next month, clearly shows how climate change is one of Europe's most developed cities - a metropolis known for its efficient infrastructure.
The Catalan Water Agency has 10 tankers chartered to ship water to Spain's second city of Marseille in France, from the Catalan port of Tarragona, and desalination plants near Almeria in Spain the parched south. Some water may be transported by rail. Water is required for at least six months or until the resumption of normal rainfall in the region ends acute water shortage.
The state of emergency has already prompted officials in Barcelona to disable local wells and showers on the beach, ornamental lakes and large drain swimming pools, a hosepipe ban backed by fines, and patch up leaky pipes. If the drought continues this summer, city authorities are faced with the unpopular option of water rationing. There are plans to distribute imported water at reduced pressure so that the taps will trickle rather than gush. Spain has suffered from water shortages to 18 months, years, only one third of their average rainfall. The drought is of the view that the most acute since the 1940s. Dams nationwide are less than half capacity, while in Catalonia are almost a fifth full.
The need for action has sparked discord between the Catalonia regional government, led by Jose Montilla, and Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero the government in Madrid. Both men are Socialists, but differ greatly on the best solution.
Mr Montilla favours the transfer of water from the River Segre, the increases in the Pyrenees and flows into the mighty Ebro. But Mr Zapatero has vetoed this plan the creation of wider social and environmental problems for the regions that are part of the Ebro basin.
Even Mr Montilla acknowledges that "with water from the source of a river is not the best solution". But he insisted this week: "The choice of Segre remains open if no other real alternatives to present solutions for the 5.5 million people affected by drought."
No easy solution is at hand. Agricultural irrigation strenuously defended its rights and crops are largely impregnated with recycled or "grey" water unfit for drinking. Catalan farmers complain that they - and the Ebro Delta ecosystem - will suffer if water is north to Barcelona: they will charge dear, valuable supplies. Meanwhile, engineers redigging old wells, filter polluted aquifers, drilling of new wells around Tarragona and hectic for pipes for the "temporary" transfers.
For the long term, in recognition that climate change makes Spain's increasingly scarce water, Mr Zapatero favours desalination. Spain has more than 950 plants produce enough water for 10 million people. Two more are under construction near Barcelona, but not be ready until 2009.
In Andalusia this week, but the worst rains for 10 years devastated beach, burst sewers and kept boats in the harbour.
The Catalan Water Agency has 10 tankers chartered to ship water to Spain's second city of Marseille in France, from the Catalan port of Tarragona, and desalination plants near Almeria in Spain the parched south. Some water may be transported by rail. Water is required for at least six months or until the resumption of normal rainfall in the region ends acute water shortage.
The state of emergency has already prompted officials in Barcelona to disable local wells and showers on the beach, ornamental lakes and large drain swimming pools, a hosepipe ban backed by fines, and patch up leaky pipes. If the drought continues this summer, city authorities are faced with the unpopular option of water rationing. There are plans to distribute imported water at reduced pressure so that the taps will trickle rather than gush. Spain has suffered from water shortages to 18 months, years, only one third of their average rainfall. The drought is of the view that the most acute since the 1940s. Dams nationwide are less than half capacity, while in Catalonia are almost a fifth full.
The need for action has sparked discord between the Catalonia regional government, led by Jose Montilla, and Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero the government in Madrid. Both men are Socialists, but differ greatly on the best solution.
Mr Montilla favours the transfer of water from the River Segre, the increases in the Pyrenees and flows into the mighty Ebro. But Mr Zapatero has vetoed this plan the creation of wider social and environmental problems for the regions that are part of the Ebro basin.
Even Mr Montilla acknowledges that "with water from the source of a river is not the best solution". But he insisted this week: "The choice of Segre remains open if no other real alternatives to present solutions for the 5.5 million people affected by drought."
No easy solution is at hand. Agricultural irrigation strenuously defended its rights and crops are largely impregnated with recycled or "grey" water unfit for drinking. Catalan farmers complain that they - and the Ebro Delta ecosystem - will suffer if water is north to Barcelona: they will charge dear, valuable supplies. Meanwhile, engineers redigging old wells, filter polluted aquifers, drilling of new wells around Tarragona and hectic for pipes for the "temporary" transfers.
For the long term, in recognition that climate change makes Spain's increasingly scarce water, Mr Zapatero favours desalination. Spain has more than 950 plants produce enough water for 10 million people. Two more are under construction near Barcelona, but not be ready until 2009.
In Andalusia this week, but the worst rains for 10 years devastated beach, burst sewers and kept boats in the harbour.
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