Increasing Water Supplies in the Iberian Peninsula

Abstract

Wet and contrasting arid regions characterize the Iberian Peninsula, thus presenting challenges to water planners. Recently, the government of Spain promulgated laws, similar to those in the United Kingdom, that created river basin water authorities. Now, instead of most of the water resources of the country being under the control of large landowners, the resources have been put in the public domain. In addition, many new impoundment projects are under construction or have recently begun operation. These actions are expected to alleviate the difficulties in meeting growing water demands for urban areas as well as for irrigation of farmlands and production of hydropower.