Sustainability Matters: Water – Every Drop Counts

Sustainability Matters: Water – Every Drop Counts

As World Water Day approaches on 22 March, it’s a timely reminder to reflect on one of our most precious shared resources: water. For those who live in or visit Ibiza, the beauty of the island comes with a hidden challenge – water scarcity.

With around 300 days of sunshine each year, Ibiza offers warmth and light that many in northern Europe can only dream of. Yet this blessing also brings a serious downside. Months can pass without rainfall, and with no lakes or major surface water sources, the island depends heavily on limited underground reserves.

A Fragile Balance

Recent rainfall has offered some relief. In 2025, Ibiza experienced nearly 600mm of rain, almost double the previous year, allowing groundwater levels to recover somewhat. But this improvement does not tell the whole story.

Years of overuse have left many of the island’s aquifers in poor condition. Half are now considered at risk or already depleted. While desalination plants provide much of the island’s drinking water, a significant portion still comes from these fragile underground sources, especially during the busy summer months when demand surges.

A Call to Responsibility

Water consumption on the island remains far above sustainable levels. The United Nations recommends around 100 litres per person per day, yet usage in Ibiza has often been more than double that. Some of this is due to outdated infrastructure and leaks, but much comes down to everyday habits.

It’s easy to feel that individual actions don’t matter in the face of such a large issue. But caring for creation is a shared responsibility. Small, mindful choices, made consistently, can lead to meaningful change.

Simple Ways to Make a Difference

Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, here are practical ways to reduce water use:

• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing your hands.
• Wash dishes efficiently—fill the sink rather than letting water run continuously.
• Only run washing machines and dishwashers with full loads, or use eco settings.
• Reuse hotel towels instead of requesting daily replacements.
• Choose short showers over baths, ideally no longer than five minutes.
• Reduce water flow in showers and turn it off while soaping or shampooing.
• Be mindful with toilet use—flush only when necessary.
• Reuse water where possible, such as watering plants with leftover water from washing produce.
• Plant native, drought-resistant species in gardens.
• Cover swimming pools to prevent evaporation.