Four towns in Malaga province have imposed immediate water restrictions amid fears of a critical summer shortage despite heavy rainfall earlier this year.

The municipalities of Alameda, Mollina, Fuente de Piedra and Humilladero announced a joint package of emergency measures this week, warning that reservoirs and aquifers remain at dangerously low levels ahead of the summer heat.

Local leaders said the recent rain has not been enough to reverse the long-term effects of drought and rising demand.

The new restrictions apply to both residents and businesses and came into force immediately across all four towns.

Under the measures, residents are banned from watering vegetable gardens using mains water, a common practice in the region during spring.

Authorities have also prohibited the washing of cars, pavements and building facades with water from the public supply network.

Meanwhile, filling private or communal swimming pools has been completely banned until further notice.

The councils warned that water consumption typically surges during summer due to rising temperatures and seasonal population increases, creating fears that more severe emergency measures or supply cuts could become necessary later in the year.

Mollina mayor Eugenio Sevillano urged residents to cooperate and reduce consumption immediately.

‘It is important to raise awareness among all neighbours about saving water,’ he said.

Alameda mayor Jose García stressed the need for collaboration between towns, warning that the situation ‘remains worrying’.

Humilladero mayor Auxiliadora Gamez said the councils would continue working together to ‘guarantee supply’ over the coming months.

Officials said the aim is to curb non-essential water use now in order to preserve reserves for basic human consumption throughout the summer.

The restrictions will remain under review depending on how water levels evolve in the coming months.

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.