Water Crisis Looms as Barcelona Faces Record Drought in Northeast Spain

Barcelona may need to have fresh water shipped in by boat in the coming months as Catalonia suffers its worst drought on record, with reservoirs providing water for about 6 million people, including Barcelona, filled to just 18% of their capacity. The region has entered the "pre-emergency" phase for drought, implementing tighter water restrictions, and if reserves fall below 16% capacity, a full-blown drought "emergency" will be declared. Authorities attribute the extended drought to climate change and warn that Barcelona could require tankers to bring in drinking water if the situation does not improve.