The Spanish government announced 2.2 billion euros ($2.4 billion) worth of drought response measures Thursday, including funding for urban water reuse and further aid for struggling farmers.
Currently, 27 percent of Spanish territory is in a drought "emergency" or "alert." Spain recorded its hottest and driest April ever last month.
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A dry pond at the Donana National Park in Aznalcaraz, southern Spain, May 11, 2023. /CFP
"Spain is a country used to facing periods of drought," Ecological Transition Minister Teresa Ribera said. "But as a result of climate change, what we are witnessing is a much higher incidence ... for which we must prepare ourselves."
Ribera said 1.4 billion euros would go toward building the infrastructure to double the use of treated wastewater in urban areas and constructing new desalination plants to increase the national supply of drinking water.
More work is needed to modernize and repair Spain's water infrastructure, she added. Unattended leaks cost Spaniards 15 percent of their total water supply.
Meanwhile, Spain's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food promised 636 million euros of direct aid and help with insurance, loans and tax breaks for farmers, ranchers and beekeepers. Water allowances for irrigation have been cut and vegetation has dried up during the drought.
Spain is Europe's leading producer and exporter of fresh fruit and vegetables. The country requested emergency funds from the European Union last month given the poor prognosis for this year's crops.
On Wednesday, the government announced plans to ban outdoor work during periods of extreme heat.
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