{column1}It is sometimes hard to believe that we are in a state of drought when storms are lashing the coast and it is chucking it down with rain, but we are. The torrential rains in Andalucía in recent weeks may have succeeded in dampening Semana Santa celebrations and dissuading tourists from a beach holiday, but they have had little or no effect on the water levels in the reservoirs and the region remains in a state of drought.
Although there is no immediate likelihood of any cuts in water supplies, many municipalities are looking to the future and are requesting permission to drill new exploratory wells so as to avoid problems next winter.{/column1}{column2} This particularly applies in the Antequera and Guadalhorce areas where the drought is having the most effect. However, in efforts to preserve supplies, avoid over-exploitation and not to adversely affect neighbouring communities, many of these requests are likely to be denied.
The current dry cycle is the worst since records began in 1941 but, after four years of being in a state of drought, most municipalities have worked out ways of coping with the situation. A programme of water saving in Málaga province has resulted in a 15% saving, and every little drop helps{/column2}