Some Lessons Learnt during the Drought of 1991–1995 in Spain

Abstract

In fora where water policy is discussed, policy makers from the Mediterranean countries of Europe often emphasise the great economic and social impact that droughts have in these countries. Based on the experience gained from 1990 to 1995 drought in Spain, this paper highlights potential strategies to mitigate drought effects. Some lessons learnt during recent droughts in Spain are the following: (1) droughts are not predictable but their adverse effects can be substantially mitigated; (2) dry spells in the Mediterranean countries are not a random hazard but a “normal climatic feature”. Consequently European “disaster relief funds” should only be given in case of extreme droughts; (3) development of groundwater can, in many cases, play a relevant role in mitigating drought effects, both in urban and in irrigation water supply; (4) up to now, water policy to mitigate droughts has been mainly based on the construction of classical hydraulic structures paid with public funds. It seems, however, necessary to change to a water demand management based on the “full cost” or “user pays” principle; (5) it is about time to avoid situations that are prone to improvisation and/or misappropriation of public funds.