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The Rain In Spain Does Not Fall On The Plain
Catalonia, a principal province on the Mediterranean coast of Spain, is running out of water. The situation in Barcelona, Catalonia's capital, is critical. Water reserves are down to 19 per cent of capacity. This will certainly affect the city's main business, which is tourism.
Farmers in the region of Catalonia fear they will lose all their crops this year because of lack of sufficient irrigation. Wine-makers are equally concerned.
The great numbers of British citizens with homes on the coast may soon face restrictions on the use of tap water.
The region has received less rain since October 2007 than at any time since 1912.
To make matters worse, environmentalists claim that at least 20 per cent of water is lost through leaking pipes.
The city council of Barcelona is making desperate attempts to achieve a solution. One idea is to import fresh water by tanker from the French port of Marseille. Another is to bring drinking water by train from the rain-soaked north of Spain. Desalination plants are also suggested as potential solutions.
There is plenty of salt water at the shores of the lovely beaches surrounding Barcelona. However, we return to the old phrase: Water, water everywhere, but not a drop to drink.
