New water restrictions in Iparralde due to drought: prohibited irrigation, fishing and vehicle cleaning

The droughtaffecting the Northern Basque Country continues to worsen and, with it, the authorities have stepped up measures to control water consumption. In particular, the Prefecture of the Atlantic Pyrenees has announced new restrictions, in addition to those imposed a few days ago. Thus, actions limited for a period of time include the irrigation of public gardens, sports grounds and golf courses, as well as the cleaning of vehicles or the filling of swimming pools.

The situation is particularly alarming in the Uhaitza Riveracross Zuberoa . In fact, the flow has dropped considerably: if in July it was four cubic metres per second, in August it was halved.

Faced with this, the authorities have declared a state of crisis, which means that water extraction isstrictly prohibited, with very limited exceptions. It is only possible to water twice a week, fruit trees, maize, tobacco and kiwis.

In Baja Navarra, the Iholdi Creek has also been in a rather worrying situation since July, while other rivers in the region, such as the Adour, the Er. y Urdazuri, are on extraordinary alert, resulting in partial restrictions.

In these areas, it is prohibited to water gardens, sports fields and golf courses in the mornings, as well as to clean vehicles. In this context, the authorities call on citizens to use water responsibly in their homes.