May’s heavy rains meant we could enjoy a summer with relatively fewer water restrictions, nothing compared to the obligatory measures imposed during the exceptional phase of the second quarter.

However, the drought is not over, and we must continue to implement actions aimed at consolidating a new real water culture so as not to depend on rainfall, which is too intermittent and too scarce. The Mediterranean climate and the climate emergency hold back the unlimited growth of agricultural and livestock production, industry and urban developments, the current major consumers of water.

New demand management is aimed at preserving surface and underground river ecosystems and avoiding overexploitation of water resources. Water scarcity in recent years has led to the development of technological measures such as desalination, wastewater reclamation and the direct use of grey water. All of them are useful solutions but require a great deal of energy, which makes them more expensive.

At the individual level we must continue to pay attention to our direct water consumption and make sure not to unnecessarily pollute wastewater. The presence of solids in wastewater makes it difficult and expensive to treat.

A clear example is the problem caused by wet wipes in the outflow water. Wipes are currently the third most common waste found in natural areas, mainly in river and marine ecosystems. Eliminating wipes from our lives is an easy and very beneficial action.

To cope with drought and the effects of the climate emergency on water availability, governance and management measures are needed and public involvement is necessary.