Ah, the farmers. The farmers!
Drought-Hit Spain Looks to Penalise Heavy Water Use
SPAIN: October 31, 2006
MADRID - Spaniards who use "excessive" amounts of water may have to pay more for it in future, the government said on Monday, seeking ways to curb water use after two years of drought.
After the worst drought on record in 2005 and below average rainfall again in the year ended on September 30, the country's reservoir levels dropped to their lowest in a decade.
Environment Minister Cristina Narbona said she was planning to guarantee a minimum amount of clean water for everyone and would raise prices above that limit.
"In principle, in line with a proposal made by Ecologists in Action, we suggest a minimum of 60 litres (13 gallons) a day per person," [Environment Minister Cristina Narbona] said.
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In some towns it is practically free and farmers often sink illegal wells and obtain water from aquifers for no more than the cost of pumping it.
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