Water Resources, Environmental Challenges, and Conservation in Spain
Water Resources in Spain
E-farming, or irrigated agriculture, accounts for 80% of the total water consumption in Spain. While hydroelectric power generation and industrial energy demand, including thermal and nuclear power plant cooling, also utilize significant water resources, urban consumption accounts for only 14%. Spain is the third-largest consumer of water per capita in the EU. Traditionally, waste disposal has been carried out in rivers. The availability of water mainly comes from rivers, which are characterized by their seasonal irregularity. There are basins with clear surpluses, balanced basins between resources and demand, and basins with obvious deficits. Water from aquifers and seawater desalination constitutes a smaller volume.
Rising Water Demand and Current Infrastructure
The demand for water is concentrated in areas of greater economic and demographic dynamism. The current dam network is insufficient to meet rising demand, and many reservoirs suffer significant problems. Annual water losses occur due to inadequate irrigation, leaks, and a high annual deficit as a result of climate change.
Hydrological Plans and Future Projects
Hydrological plans are prepared by the Hydrographic Confederations, the government, or the autonomous communities. The National Hydrological Plan outlines new hydraulic works to increase water availability. These projects will begin along the Mediterranean coastline, where desalination plants will be built. Efforts will also focus on improving water use efficiency by optimizing distribution and storage infrastructure, boosting consumption savings, and improving irrigation efficiency.
Dams, Distribution Channels, and Aquifers
Hydraulic works are infrastructure created to regulate water resources and improve water quality. Dams create large reservoirs of artificially stored water, and their numbers have increased over the past century. Most reservoirs are used for electricity production and to alleviate chronic water shortages. Distribution channels, such as water transfers between surplus and deficit basins, are also crucial. Currently, 38 transfers are in operation, with the Tajo-Segura transfer being a notable example. Aquifers are exploited through wells and galleries, providing a vital water source during times of scarcity. Seawater is also utilized through desalination techniques, although this remains an expensive and complex procedure. Spain is the leading country in the EU in terms of desalination, with the highest number of desalination plants.
Environmental Challenges in Spain
Deforestation
Deforestation, the destruction of vegetation cover, has several main causes:
- Agriculture and Livestock: Thousands of square kilometers of forest have been converted into farmland or meadows.
- Urban Occupation and Industrial Facilities: This includes second homes and major infrastructure projects.
- Forest Fires: Higher temperatures and dry conditions exacerbate the risk of fires. 96% of fires are caused by human activity, and the densification of undergrowth due to reforestation with easily flammable species further contributes to the problem.
Desertification and Soil Pollution
Soil pollution is primarily caused by industrial and urban waste, particularly the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Erosion, a natural phenomenon, is accentuated by steep slopes and torrential rainfall. Human actions, such as deforestation and inappropriate agricultural and livestock practices, intensify erosion. Deforestation contributes to erosion by removing vegetation, leaving the soil exposed and without the roots to retain rainwater. Overgrazing also exacerbates erosion by preventing the soil from recovering. The abuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, along with cultivating steep slopes, further worsens the problem. Soil erosion is a major issue in Spain, especially in semiarid regions. A large percentage of the territory suffers from alarming soil loss, leading to desertification. In extreme cases, one million hectares in Spain are considered deserted, and another seven million are at risk.
Water Overexploitation and Pollution
The increased consumption of water for agricultural, urban, and industrial uses has led to the construction of hydraulic works for massive water uptake. This has modified the beds and flows of rivers and resulted in the overexploitation of aquifers. The resulting drop in water levels can lead to the drying up of aquifers. In coastal areas, it can cause seawater intrusion, leading to the salinization of the water. Water pollution stems from human waste and industrial byproducts, hindering the natural purification process. Rural pollution from fertilizers, insecticides, and sewage, along with industrial discharges and untreated marine discharges, cause algae proliferation. Heavy metals can accumulate in the fatty tissues of fish and enter the food chain. Oil spills primarily affect coastal areas near large industrial complexes and major shipping routes, such as Gibraltar.
Expansion and Creation of Protected Natural Areas
Evolution of Conservation Efforts
In Spain, the protection of natural spaces began in the last century with the creation of National Parks. Initially, selection criteria were based solely on scenic beauty, leading to the prioritization of mountain parks. In the mid-20th century, biological and geological aspects started to be considered. The Law of Protected Natural Spaces outlines the objectives of conserving natural spaces and preventing their deterioration.
Types of Protected Areas
- National Parks: These are areas with minimal human intervention, managed by the autonomous communities since 2004. They must include representative ecosystems of Spain.
- Natural Parks: These are smaller in size and are managed by the autonomous communities.
- Natural Reserves: These are small protected areas.
- Natural Monuments
- Protected Landscapes: These include spaces that are part of the Natura 2000 Network and the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.