British tourists are reportedly facing swimming pool closures in Barcelona as authorities in the Catalonia region prepare for tighter water restrictions amid a historic drought that has shrunk reservoirs to record lows.
Catalan authorities declared a drought emergency on Thursday after water reserves fell to below 16 per cent of their capacity.
Residents will be banned from washing cars and filling empty pools under a raft of measures announced to alleviate the water shortage.
The edict affects about 200 villages, towns and cities, including Barcelona, and six million people.
Under the measures, which could be tightened if the situation does not improve, water usage will drop to 200 litres from 210 litres per person daily.
Hotels and other venues with private pools are not allowed to drain and refill them, but can only top off the water if they have approved water regeneration systems.
Exceptions are only granted for pools used for therapeutic purposes at hospitals, nursing homes and facilities catering to the disabled.
Catalonia's camp site association is exploring ways to use seawater in pools because of the restrictions.
Swimming clubs with outdoor pools will be able to dodge the restrictions, though they cannot use their showers. Beach showers, typically used by swimmers to rinse off sand, must also stay closed.
Catalonia has recorded below-average rainfall for 40 consecutive months.
"The drought will be overcome, but we're in a new climate reality in which it's more likely that there'll be new droughts and that they'll be more intense," regional chief Pere Aragones told a press briefing.
Authorities will impose sanctions of up to 3,000 euros on anyone who breaches the new restrictions.
The restrictions will remain in force for at least 15 months.
