Drought alert in Mallorca currently applies to two of the island's seven units of demand, the alert covering the Arta unit as well as that of the Pla (Plain region). This was the situation at the end of October, the Pla unit having been on alert for several months and Arta having been added more recently.
The Balearic Government's 'water portal' indicates that the situation with water reserves on the islands was slightly worse than it was in October 2024 and far more so than in October 2023. At the end of October, the reserves stood at 44%. Rainfall during October was "normal" - an average of 71.3 litres per square metre, nine lower than the previous year.
The water resources department says the historical pattern should mean that reserves are slightly above 50% at end-October. After the first autumn rains, the demand units would then either be classified as normal or on pre-alert for drought. The only normal unit in October was Formentera, where desalination - in relative terms - provides more water than elsewhere.
The department adds that 2025 is continuing a trend of consecutive years with below-average rainfall and higher temperatures. Pressure on aquifers is therefore increased and the recovery capacity is reduced. "It is unusual for such a large part of Mallorca to be on hydrological alert in October; the situation is more like a dry end to summer than autumn." Pre-alerts and alerts for drought are becoming more frequent. Forecasts for November suggest there is unlikely to have been any change with the exception of Ibiza (downgraded to pre-alert).
For pre-alert, a unit must remain at pre-alert index levels for a minimum of three consecutive months. This occurs when water resources begin to dwindle, and it becomes necessary to implement water management measures to prevent the situation from worsening. To return to the normal level, the indices must remain within their limits for three months.
Drought alert occurs when the projected levels are exceeded for two consecutive months. Resources begin to become scarce, and it is necessary to implement further management measures and also place restrictions on water consumption. Lowering the level requires an improvement in the data for a period of at least 60 days.
Drought emergency is when the situation is critical. In addition to water restrictions, the use of water for certain purposes, such as irrigation, is prohibited.