Spain’s Water Resources, Natural Risks, and Environmental Challenges

1.3 Water Resources and Use

1.3.1 Water Consumption

  • Consumers of water: Irrigation (80%), economic sectors, household use. Municipal use has increased to 160 liters/inhabitant/day.
  • Non-consumptive uses: Fishing, aquaculture, navigation.

1.3.2 Water Balance

Water resources primarily come from rainfall and aquifers. Only 32% is available, and less than half of that is utilized.

Water Deficit Problems:

  • Uneven resource distribution: Surplus in northern basins (North pit, Douro River) and scarcity in Mediterranean basins (Ebro).
  • Uneven demand: Concentrated in the Mediterranean area.
  • Insufficient and poorly managed reservoirs.

1.3.3 Hydraulic Works

Implemented to regulate water resources and improve water quality.

a) Works to Regulate Water Resources:

  • Rivers:
    • Reservoirs
    • Distribution channels
    • Diversions
  • Other Water Resources:
    • Pyrenees lakes: Used for electricity production.
    • Aquifers
    • Sea water: Desalination.

b) Works to Improve Water Quality: Water treatment plants and sewage treatment plants.

1.3.4 Water Policy

Has two main purposes:

  • a) Regulation: Governed by the Water Act.
  • b) Management: Implemented through hydrological planning.
    • River Basin Management Plans
    • National Hydrological Plan aims:
      • Achieve water self-sufficiency.
      • Ensure good water quality.
      • Prevent floods and droughts.
      • Promote research and technological innovation.

2. Natural Risks

Natural hazards are environmental features that threaten human welfare and life due to their potentially catastrophic consequences.

2.1 Geological Hazards

  • Earthquakes: Seismic activity due to the Iberian Peninsula’s location at the contact zone between the African and Eurasian plates.
  • Volcanic Eruptions: Occur on the islands of El Hierro, La Palma, Tenerife, and Lanzarote.
  • Slope Movements: Rapid displacements of large rock masses triggered by factors like springs.
    • Landslides and rockfalls

2.2 Climate Risks

  • Flooding: Caused by heavy and rapid rainfall.
  • Droughts: Temporary and prolonged rainfall deficits.

2.3 Actions Against Natural Hazards

  • Construction of infrastructure to mitigate common risks: Drainage, tree planting, and reinforcement measures.
  • Establishment of prevention and surveillance systems in high-risk areas.
  • Emergency provisions for the population.
  • Risk prevention through regulations.

Human Impact on the Environment

1. Environmental Problems and Policies

Negative human actions on the environment include overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction.

a) International Agreements: Compliance with specific commitments.

b) European Union Environmental Policy:

  • Promotion of sustainable development.
  • Prevention.
  • Addressing environmental problems within the EU.
  • Correction of global environmental problems.
  • Preservation of natural areas within the EU.

c) Ministry of Environment Policy.

2. Major Environmental Problems

2.1 Alteration of Relief

Continental relief is altered by mining, quarrying, and construction activities. Solutions have focused on restoring affected coastal areas.

2.2 Atmospheric Pollution

Caused by emissions from fossil fuel combustion in power stations, industries, and transportation.

2.2.1 Acid Rain

Precipitation with higher than normal acidity, formed when water vapor mixes with pollutants, creating acidic solutions.

2.2.2 Ozone Issues
  • Reduction of Stratospheric Ozone: Thinning of the ozone layer, which filters harmful UV radiation, due to chlorine from aerosols and refrigerants.
  • Increase in Tropospheric Ozone: Reaction of sunlight with nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons from vehicle emissions.
2.2.3 Greenhouse Effect and Climate Change

The greenhouse effect is a natural process where atmospheric gases (water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane) trap heat. Increased greenhouse gas emissions enhance this effect, leading to a rise in global temperatures and climate change. Spain’s greenhouse gas emissions have increased due to more cars and higher energy demand.

The Kyoto Protocol (2012) aimed to limit emissions to 15% above 1990 levels, and the European Union agreed to a minimum 20% reduction by the first half of the 21st century.

2.2.4 Water Pollution

Pollution of surface and groundwater is caused by waste discharge that exceeds the natural oxygenation and purification capacity. Agricultural fertilizers, industrial waste, toxic metals, oil spills, and untreated sewage contribute to water pollution. This results in a loss of water quality, adversely affecting aquatic ecosystems and human use.