The Mayor of Almuñécar J.J. Ruiz Joya has issued a ban on filling pools, the use of hose pipes and calls for citizen cooperation.

Let it be known:

As we are traversing a period of adverse weather owing to a lack of rainfall, which has caused a severe drought, leaving our water table gravely affected by the intrusion of sea water and the drying up of wells, the collaboration of society in general to achieve a rational use of water is required, thus a saving in such a vital and basic resource in our lives

For this reason the municipal by law is an adoption of the following measures to be taken to palliate the lack of rainfall.

1) Measures to be taken by the Town Hall:

* The restriction of hosing down streets, public spaces and around public installations. Using a hose pipe to wash down streets is suspended, save were it is necessary to guarantee public health.

* A reduction on watering in parks and gardens to a bare minimum, a revision of existing watering systems; the progressive substitution of sprinkler watering to drip-irrigation as well as the replacing of thirsty plants for those with less watering needs.

* Intensify the checking of all public building and school for wasteful leaks and to make it known to all those in charge of said public buildings to communicate any incident (water waste).

* Close all public drinking fountains and any ornamental fountains that do not have a close circuit system.

* Turn off public showers etc on beaches starting the 1st of September.

2) Measures to be applied by the general public.

* Request the collaboration from all water consumers for the rational and responsible use of water, both domestic or industrial

* It is forbidden to wash a car outside other than in an official carwash.

* It is forbidden to wash down terraces or private spaces.

* It is forbidden to fill or refill private pools.

The watering of public parks and private gardens will be reduced to the absolute minimum, avoiding the hottest part of the day.

For this reason the Town Hall calls upon the general public to display responsibility and solidarity in our municipality, both residents and visitors.

Thanking you in advance for your cooperation.

The Mayor