Deià dries up as drought hits village water supply

The scenic village of Deià has been hit by wide-ranging water restrictions which have incensed local residents. London based former public relations guru Lynne Franks is appalled at the way the Balearic government is handling the Island's water shortage. Having owned a home on the outskirts of Deià for the last ten years, Ms Franks is well qualified to comment on the predicament which is currently affecting her local village. Deià has now become a part of the water restrictions which are sweeping the Island, the water will be turned off between 8pm and 9am every day and the council are not ruling out whole days with out water. Ms Franks said yesterday “It is horrible, and indicative of what is happening on the Island. There are too many tourists and not enough water.” She continued “The government should be much more serious about the sustainability of the Island. When I look at the airport and see the thousands of tourists streaming in, it makes me think that the government should focus on the water shortage long before it thinks about solving the tourist problem.” The council has banned people in Deià from filling up pools and watering gardens. Fines will be administered to those overusing and if they persist, the government has threatened to cut their water off altogether. The restrictions will remain in force until new mobile water units are in place. Richard Branson's luxury hotel “La Residencia” has not been affected by the shortage as it has its own water supply. Robert Bradbury who lives in the village said “My belief is very simple, as long as they increase the number of golf courses, swimming pools and the general population living here, there will always be a water shortage.” He commented that “I have written numerous letters about desalination plants which seem to be the best idea...water water water and not a drop to drink.”