{"id":34639,"date":"2026-03-11T23:44:32","date_gmt":"2026-03-11T22:44:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/plexoproperties.com\/?p=34639"},"modified":"2026-04-04T07:08:11","modified_gmt":"2026-04-04T06:08:11","slug":"costa-del-sol-water-reservoirs-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/plexoproperties.com\/es\/costa-del-sol-water-reservoirs-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Costa del sol water reservoirs 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><span style=\"color:#1B4F72;font-size:22pt\"><strong>Costa del Sol Water Reservoirs 2026: From Drought to Recovery<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color:#555555\"><em>What property buyers, residents and visitors need to know about water supply on the Costa del Sol<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color:#888888;font-size:9pt\">Published by Plexo Properties \u2022 plexoproperties.com \u2022 March 2026<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color:#888888;font-size:9pt\"><em>Data sources: Ministerio para la Transici\u00f3n Ecol\u00f3gica, Junta de Andaluc\u00eda, Embalses.net, Vandenboom.es, Andalucia.com, Euro Weekly News, The Olive Press (2025\u20132026). Reservoir figures are approximate and subject to daily fluctuation.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading \\&quot;wp-block-heading\\&quot;\">1. Overview: Costa del sol water reservoirs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color:#333333\\\">If you\u2019re considering buying property on the Costa del Sol, you\u2019ve probably seen headlines about Spain\u2019s drought problems. Water supply is a legitimate concern for anyone thinking about investing in southern Spain \u2013 and it\u2019s also a topic that has dramatically improved in early 2026.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color:#333333\\\">After years of severe drought that imposed strict restrictions on residents and tourism alike, heavy winter rains from late 2025 have replenished M\u00e1laga province\u2019s reservoirs to near-record levels. The Costa del Sol has moved from emergency drought status to \u201cnormal\u201d \u2013 and the outlook for 2026 is the strongest in years.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color:#333333\\\">In this guide we walk you through the current state of the reservoirs, the recent recovery, infrastructure investments, water quality, and what all of this means for property buyers, residents and visitors.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color:#1B4F72\\\"><strong>Quick facts: Costa del Sol water supply in 2026<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">M\u00e1laga province reservoirs at approximately 83% capacity (February 2026)<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">No major water restrictions in place on the western Costa del Sol<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">90 million m\u00b3 of water added in one month \u2013 enough for 1.5+ years of M\u00e1laga city supply<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">La Vi\u00f1uela recovered from 7% (Jan 2024) to over 81% (Feb 2026)<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">Desalination plants provide climate-independent backup supply<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">Tap water is certified safe to drink across all 14 Costa del Sol municipalities<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading \\&quot;wp-block-heading\\&quot;\">2. The Recent Recovery: How the Rains Changed Everything<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">Abundant rainfall from late 2025, including powerful Atlantic storms such as Storm Francis, Storm Leonardo and Storm Marta, transformed the water landscape across Andaluc\u00eda. By early January 2026, Spain\u2019s national reservoirs stood at around 56% of total capacity \u2013 a significant recovery from the drought lows below 40% seen in previous years.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\"><strong>M\u00e1laga province saw particularly dramatic gains. <\/strong><\/span><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">In just one month, the province\u2019s dams added approximately 90 million cubic metres of water \u2013 enough to supply M\u00e1laga city for over a year and a half. Before December 2025, the provincial reservoirs held 277 hm\u00b3; by early January 2026 that figure had jumped to 337 hm\u00b3. By mid-February, M\u00e1laga\u2019s reservoir network had climbed to approximately 83% of total capacity, surpassing 540 million cubic metres and reaching a 10-year high.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">La Concepci\u00f3n reservoir, the primary water source for Marbella and the western Costa del Sol, was so full by early January that authorities had to open floodgates as a safety measure, releasing water into the R\u00edo Verde to make room for further storms. At peak release, La Concepci\u00f3n discharged around 60 cubic metres per second \u2013 equivalent to four times the amount needed to supply the entire city of M\u00e1laga. It reached 87% capacity before being brought back down to a safer 80% through controlled releases.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">Across Andaluc\u00eda as a whole, reservoir capacity reached 77% \u2013 a 35% leap over the 10-year average of 42%. Provinces like Huelva and Sevilla exceeded 90%, and several individual reservoirs hit 100% capacity.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading \\&quot;wp-block-heading\\&quot;\">3. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.redhidrosurmedioambiente.es\/saih\/resumen\/embalses\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Key Reservoirs Serving the Costa del Sol<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">Six major reservoirs form the backbone of the Costa del Sol\u2019s water supply, serving M\u00e1laga city, Marbella, the Axarqu\u00eda coast and the surrounding tourist hubs. Here is how they stand as of February 2026:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<table class=\\\"docx-imported-table\\\" style=\\\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%\\\"><tr><td style=\\\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #ddd;background-color:#1B4F72;vertical-align:middle\\\"><span style=\\\"color:#FFFFFF;font-size:9pt\\\"><strong>Reservoir<\/strong><\/span><\/td><td style=\\\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #ddd;background-color:#1B4F72;vertical-align:middle\\\"><span style=\\\"color:#FFFFFF;font-size:9pt\\\"><strong>% Full<\/strong><\/span><\/td><td style=\\\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #ddd;background-color:#1B4F72;vertical-align:middle\\\"><span style=\\\"color:#FFFFFF;font-size:9pt\\\"><strong>Capacity<\/strong><\/span><\/td><td style=\\\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #ddd;background-color:#1B4F72;vertical-align:middle\\\"><span style=\\\"color:#FFFFFF;font-size:9pt\\\"><strong>Volume<\/strong><\/span><\/td><td style=\\\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #ddd;background-color:#1B4F72;vertical-align:middle\\\"><span style=\\\"color:#FFFFFF;font-size:9pt\\\"><strong>Primary Role<\/strong><\/span><\/td><td style=\\\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #ddd;background-color:#1B4F72;vertical-align:middle\\\"><span style=\\\"color:#FFFFFF;font-size:9pt\\\"><strong>Supplies<\/strong><\/span><\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\\\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #ddd;background-color:#F2F8FD;vertical-align:middle\\\"><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">La Concepci\u00f3n<\/span><\/td><td style=\\\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #ddd;background-color:#F2F8FD;vertical-align:middle\\\"><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">79.7%<\/span><\/td><td style=\\\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #ddd;background-color:#F2F8FD;vertical-align:middle\\\"><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">62 hm\u00b3<\/span><\/td><td style=\\\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #ddd;background-color:#F2F8FD;vertical-align:middle\\\"><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">~49 hm\u00b3<\/span><\/td><td style=\\\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #ddd;background-color:#F2F8FD;vertical-align:middle\\\"><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">Drinking water supply<\/span><\/td><td style=\\\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #ddd;background-color:#F2F8FD;vertical-align:middle\\\"><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">Marbella, western Costa del Sol<\/span><\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\\\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #ddd;background-color:#FFFFFF;vertical-align:middle\\\"><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">La Vi\u00f1uela<\/span><\/td><td style=\\\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #ddd;background-color:#FFFFFF;vertical-align:middle\\\"><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">71.2%<\/span><\/td><td style=\\\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #ddd;background-color:#FFFFFF;vertical-align:middle\\\"><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">164 hm\u00b3<\/span><\/td><td style=\\\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #ddd;background-color:#FFFFFF;vertical-align:middle\\\"><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">~117 hm\u00b3<\/span><\/td><td style=\\\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #ddd;background-color:#FFFFFF;vertical-align:middle\\\"><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">Drinking water &amp; irrigation<\/span><\/td><td style=\\\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #ddd;background-color:#FFFFFF;vertical-align:middle\\\"><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">Axarqu\u00eda, eastern Costa del Sol<\/span><\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\\\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #ddd;background-color:#F2F8FD;vertical-align:middle\\\"><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">Guadalteba<\/span><\/td><td style=\\\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #ddd;background-color:#F2F8FD;vertical-align:middle\\\"><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">96.9%<\/span><\/td><td style=\\\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #ddd;background-color:#F2F8FD;vertical-align:middle\\\"><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">153 hm\u00b3<\/span><\/td><td style=\\\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #ddd;background-color:#F2F8FD;vertical-align:middle\\\"><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">~148 hm\u00b3<\/span><\/td><td style=\\\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #ddd;background-color:#F2F8FD;vertical-align:middle\\\"><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">Core provincial supply<\/span><\/td><td style=\\\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #ddd;background-color:#F2F8FD;vertical-align:middle\\\"><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">M\u00e1laga province interior<\/span><\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\\\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #ddd;background-color:#FFFFFF;vertical-align:middle\\\"><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">Guadalhorce<\/span><\/td><td style=\\\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #ddd;background-color:#FFFFFF;vertical-align:middle\\\"><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">86.2%<\/span><\/td><td style=\\\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #ddd;background-color:#FFFFFF;vertical-align:middle\\\"><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">126 hm\u00b3<\/span><\/td><td style=\\\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #ddd;background-color:#FFFFFF;vertical-align:middle\\\"><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">~109 hm\u00b3<\/span><\/td><td style=\\\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #ddd;background-color:#FFFFFF;vertical-align:middle\\\"><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">Inland supply<\/span><\/td><td style=\\\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #ddd;background-color:#FFFFFF;vertical-align:middle\\\"><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">M\u00e1laga city &amp; surroundings<\/span><\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\\\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #ddd;background-color:#F2F8FD;vertical-align:middle\\\"><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">Limonero<\/span><\/td><td style=\\\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #ddd;background-color:#F2F8FD;vertical-align:middle\\\"><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">94.1%<\/span><\/td><td style=\\\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #ddd;background-color:#F2F8FD;vertical-align:middle\\\"><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">25 hm\u00b3<\/span><\/td><td style=\\\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #ddd;background-color:#F2F8FD;vertical-align:middle\\\"><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">~24 hm\u00b3<\/span><\/td><td style=\\\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #ddd;background-color:#F2F8FD;vertical-align:middle\\\"><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">Flood control &amp; backup<\/span><\/td><td style=\\\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #ddd;background-color:#F2F8FD;vertical-align:middle\\\"><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">M\u00e1laga city emergency<\/span><\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\\\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #ddd;background-color:#FFFFFF;vertical-align:middle\\\"><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">Casasola<\/span><\/td><td style=\\\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #ddd;background-color:#FFFFFF;vertical-align:middle\\\"><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">60.9%<\/span><\/td><td style=\\\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #ddd;background-color:#FFFFFF;vertical-align:middle\\\"><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">24 hm\u00b3<\/span><\/td><td style=\\\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #ddd;background-color:#FFFFFF;vertical-align:middle\\\"><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">~15 hm\u00b3<\/span><\/td><td style=\\\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #ddd;background-color:#FFFFFF;vertical-align:middle\\\"><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">Flood prevention<\/span><\/td><td style=\\\"padding:6px 10px;border:1px solid #ddd;background-color:#FFFFFF;vertical-align:middle\\\"><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">Campanillas river basin<\/span><\/td><\/tr><\/table>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\\\"color:#666666\\\"><em>Source: Ministerio para la Transici\u00f3n Ecol\u00f3gica \/ Junta de Andaluc\u00eda, February 2026. Figures are approximate and subject to daily change.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\"><strong>The most remarkable recovery story is La Vi\u00f1uela. <\/strong><\/span><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">In January 2024, this reservoir \u2013 the largest in the province at 164 hm\u00b3 capacity \u2013 had fallen to just 7%. It was essentially labelled a \u201cdead reservoir\u201d because the remaining water was too mixed with sediment for safe consumption. Thanks to storms Leonardo and Marta, it surged to over 81% by mid-February 2026, holding around 134 billion litres. That is an extraordinary recovery from a reservoir that many feared was lost.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">The Guadalteba and Guadalhorce reservoirs, which between them supply the larger M\u00e1laga metropolitan area, reached 98% and 86% respectively. Their neighbour, the Conde de Guadalhorce, hit 100% capacity. After years of scarcity, M\u00e1laga\u2019s reservoirs are full to the brim.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading \\&quot;wp-block-heading\\&quot;\">4. Historical Context: The Drought Years<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">To appreciate how significant this recovery is, it helps to understand what came before. Southern Spain experienced a severe multi-year drought that peaked between 2022 and early 2025. Andaluc\u00eda saw a 45% rainfall deficiency compared to normal levels in 2023, and the region\u2019s reservoirs dropped to alarming lows.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\"><strong>Strict water restrictions were imposed across the Costa del Sol. <\/strong><\/span><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">During the worst period, residents in parts of M\u00e1laga were limited to just 160 litres per person per day. Swimming pool fills were banned, garden watering prohibited, car washing restricted and beach showers limited. The 11 municipalities on the Costa del Sol and M\u00e1laga agreed to ban drinking water for all non-essential purposes.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">By early 2025, some improvement began thanks to rains in late 2024 and spring 2025, but reservoir levels still hovered around 40\u201345% on average \u2013 well below comfortable margins. The inland reservoirs of Guadalteba and Guadalhorce were particularly slow to recover.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">The transformation came with the heavy winter storms of late 2025 and early 2026. In a single week during early January, storms dumped an additional 129 billion litres into Andaluc\u00eda\u2019s reservoir network \u2013 enough to supply the entire city of M\u00e1laga for more than two years.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading \\&quot;wp-block-heading\\&quot;\">5. Current Water Status: Are There Restrictions in 2026?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">As of early 2026, the Costa del Sol is classified in \u201cnormal\u201d water status \u2013 the best category. No major water restrictions remain in place for the western Costa del Sol. The practical daily water allocation is set at 250 litres per inhabitant per day on the western Costa del Sol and 225 litres in M\u00e1laga city \u2013 both above actual consumption levels.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\"><strong>What this means for daily life: <\/strong><\/span><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">swimming pools can be filled, gardens watered and beach showers operate normally. Hotels and tourist facilities are running without limitations. The region has enough reserves to comfortably cover the high summer tourism season without anticipated cuts.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">The Axarqu\u00eda region on the eastern Costa del Sol was the hardest hit during the drought and is recovering slightly more slowly. While La Vi\u00f1uela\u2019s impressive recovery has eased the situation considerably, irrigation for agriculture in eastern areas may still face some restrictions as water allocation prioritises drinking water supply.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading \\&quot;wp-block-heading\\&quot;\">6. Infrastructure and Long-Term Water Security<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">The Costa del Sol does not rely on rainfall alone. A combination of infrastructure investments provides multiple layers of water security:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"\\&quot;wp-block-heading\\&quot; wp-block-heading\">Desalination<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">The Marbella desalination plant is fully operational, producing up to 20 cubic hectometres per year. This acts as a crucial climate-independent backup for the western Costa del Sol. Estepona is planning an additional fast-build desalination plant producing 20,000 cubic metres per day using solar-powered, containerised technology. A future Axarqu\u00eda desalination plant has been approved with initial capacity of 25 hm\u00b3 per year \u2013 split between drinking water and agricultural irrigation.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"\\&quot;wp-block-heading\\&quot; wp-block-heading\">Water reuse and recycling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">Spain is a pioneer in water reuse, with over 400 treatment plants across the country. On the Costa del Sol, approximately 81% of golf courses use reclaimed water for irrigation, dramatically reducing pressure on drinking water reserves. Reclaimed water is also used for municipal irrigation, industrial processes and environmental restoration.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"\\&quot;wp-block-heading\\&quot; wp-block-heading\">Underground wells and interconnections<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">The region draws on a network of underground wells at Guadalmansa (Estepona), Fuengirola, Aljaima and Fahala. Aqueduct tunnels built after the 1990s drought connect rivers Guadaiza, Guadalmansa and Guadalmina to La Concepci\u00f3n reservoir, adding supply diversity. Emergency interconnections between reservoir systems allow water transfers between the western Costa del Sol, M\u00e1laga city and the Axarqu\u00eda.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading \\&quot;wp-block-heading\\&quot;\">7. What This Means for <a href=\"https:\/\/plexoproperties.com\/properties\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Property Buyers<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">Water supply is increasingly a factor that informed property buyers consider when choosing a location in southern Spain. Here is the reassuring picture for the Costa del Sol:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\\\"color:#1B4F72\\\"><strong>Key takeaways for property buyers<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">Reservoirs at approximately 83% capacity \u2013 a substantial buffer covering well over a year of consumption<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">Multiple water sources: reservoirs, desalination, underground wells and water reuse create a diversified, resilient system<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">No restrictions affecting daily life \u2013 pools, gardens and showers operate normally<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">Ongoing investment in new desalination capacity, efficiency measures and pipeline interconnections<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">Climate-independent backup: desalination provides water regardless of rainfall patterns<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">That said, it is worth understanding the climate context. The Mediterranean climate means dry summers are normal, and climate change is making rainfall patterns more unpredictable. The current surplus is substantial, but long-term sustainability depends on continued infrastructure investment and responsible water use. This is exactly why the region is investing heavily in desalination \u2013 providing a supply that does not depend on the weather.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">For property buyers, the message is clear: the Costa del Sol\u2019s water supply is in excellent shape, backed by robust infrastructure and ongoing investment. After years of drought headlines, 2026 marks a welcome turning point.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading \\&quot;wp-block-heading\\&quot;\">8. Water Quality on the Costa del Sol<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">Beyond supply, many international buyers ask about water quality. All tap water across the Costa del Sol\u2019s 14 municipalities is certified safe to drink (APTA) by the Spanish Ministry of Health and complies with EU Drinking Water Directive standards. Water quality is regularly tested and published through the national SINAC database.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">The main characteristic of local water is hardness. The limestone geology of the Sierra de las Nieves and surrounding mountains naturally dissolves calcium and magnesium into the groundwater. This is completely safe but can affect taste and cause limescale build-up in appliances. Many residents use simple carbon filter jugs or install water softeners for improved taste and appliance longevity.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading \\&quot;wp-block-heading\\&quot;\">9. Outlook: What to Expect in 2026 and Beyond<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">Experts predict no major water restrictions in 2026 if average rainfall continues. The combination of high reservoir levels and desalination backup means the Costa del Sol is better positioned for water security than at any point in the past five years.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">Authorities are now focused on two fronts: monitoring dam levels carefully and managing controlled releases to prevent flooding, while also planning further infrastructure expansion. A new desalination plant for the Axarqu\u00eda region is in the planning stage, and expanded pipeline connections between systems are under development.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">Water reserves across Andaluc\u00eda show consistent improvement year-on-year, with region-wide capacity at 77% \u2013 far above the 42% ten-year average. While climate variability and population growth pose long-term challenges, the current investment trajectory and diversified supply strategy provide strong grounds for confidence.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading \\&quot;wp-block-heading\\&quot;\">10. Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\\\"color:#1B4F72\\\"><strong>Are there water restrictions on the Costa del Sol in 2026?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">No major restrictions are currently in place. The western Costa del Sol and M\u00e1laga city are classified in \u201cnormal\u201d water status. Daily allocations are set above actual consumption levels, and swimming pools, garden watering and all normal water use are permitted.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\\\"color:#1B4F72\\\"><strong>Is the tap water safe to drink on the Costa del Sol?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">Yes. All tap water across the 14 Costa del Sol municipalities is certified safe to drink (APTA) and meets EU Drinking Water Directive standards. The water tends to be hard due to limestone geology, which affects taste but is perfectly safe. Many residents use filter jugs for improved taste.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\\\"color:#1B4F72\\\"><strong>Which reservoirs supply Marbella and the Costa del Sol?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">La Concepci\u00f3n reservoir on the R\u00edo Verde is the primary supply for Marbella and the western Costa del Sol. The Guadalteba and Guadalhorce reservoirs supply M\u00e1laga city, while La Vi\u00f1uela serves the Axarqu\u00eda (eastern Costa del Sol). The Marbella desalination plant provides additional backup supply.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\\\"color:#1B4F72\\\"><strong>Should water supply affect my property buying decision?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">Water supply is a sensible factor to consider, but the Costa del Sol is well-positioned. Near-record reservoir levels, operational desalination plants, underground wells and water reuse infrastructure give the region multiple, diversified water sources. Ongoing investment in new desalination capacity further strengthens the long-term outlook.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\\\"color:#1B4F72\\\"><strong>Will there be enough water for the summer tourism season?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">Yes. Current reservoir levels provide a substantial buffer well above what is needed for peak summer demand. Experts do not anticipate restrictions for the 2026 summer season. Desalination plants provide additional backup capacity during the dry months.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\\\"color:#1B4F72\\\"><strong>How does the Costa del Sol\u2019s water situation compare with other parts of Spain?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">M\u00e1laga province is in a strong position relative to much of Andaluc\u00eda. Provinces like Granada (~25%) and Ja\u00e9n (~33%) have lower reservoir levels. The Costa del Sol benefits from multiple supply sources including desalination, while some inland areas rely solely on reservoirs. Nationally, Spain\u2019s reservoirs are at approximately 56% of capacity.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\\\"color:#1B4F72\\\"><strong>What happened during the drought and could it happen again?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\\\"color:#333333\\\">From 2022 to early 2025, southern Spain experienced severe drought with reservoir levels falling below 20% in some areas. Strict water restrictions were imposed, including bans on pool fills and garden watering. While drought could return \u2013 it is a natural feature of the Mediterranean climate \u2013 the region is investing heavily in desalination and infrastructure to reduce dependence on rainfall.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\\\"color:#1B4F72\\\"><strong>About Plexo Properties<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color:#333333\">Plexo Properties specialises in residential property on the Costa del Sol, with a particular focus on La Cala de Mijas and Marbella East. Whether you are looking for a holiday home, a permanent relocation or an investment property, our team offers expert guidance on the local market, legal requirements and lifestyle considerations. Visit <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/plexoproperties.com\">plexoproperties.com<\/a><span style=\"color:#333333\"> to explore current listings or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/plexoproperties.com\/contact-us\/\">contact us<\/a><span style=\"color:#333333\"> for a personal consultation.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Costa del Sol Water Reservoirs 2026: From Drought to Recovery What property buyers, residents and visitors need to know about water supply on the Costa del Sol Published by Plexo Properties \u2022 plexoproperties.com \u2022 March 2026 Data sources: Ministerio para la Transici\u00f3n Ecol\u00f3gica, Junta de Andaluc\u00eda, Embalses.net, Vandenboom.es, Andalucia.com, Euro Weekly News, The Olive Press [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":34715,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-34639","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-real-estate"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/plexoproperties.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34639","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/plexoproperties.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/plexoproperties.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/plexoproperties.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/plexoproperties.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=34639"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/plexoproperties.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34639\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34736,"href":"https:\/\/plexoproperties.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34639\/revisions\/34736"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/plexoproperties.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/34715"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/plexoproperties.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34639"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/plexoproperties.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=34639"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/plexoproperties.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=34639"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}