Residents of Teulada, a favoured destination for British expats on the Costa Blanca, Spain, have been urgently advised not to drink tap water due to high salt levels.
The Teulada City Council issued the warning as water company Hidraqua conducts tests on the water supply.
In a statement, the council emphasised caution, urging residents to refrain from consuming tap water until further notice.
They clarified that while the water is safe for personal hygiene and other household uses, it may not be suitable for drinking due to elevated salt content.
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Teulada's water supply is sourced from an aquifer managed by the Teulada-Benitatxell Water Consortium.
Recently, the consortium has been supplementing this supply with water from the Javea desalination plant to dilute the salt levels. This measure was prompted by a significant increase in salt concentration, particularly noted in the Senija well.
"The current salinity levels in the Senija well are ten times higher than usual and five times higher than historical levels," the council's statement read.
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The council also acknowledged that the situation tends to worsen during summer months when water demand peaks. Despite ongoing efforts, including a €3 million project aimed at resolving these issues by 2025, immediate relief remains uncertain.
In light of these challenges, Teulada City Council has called for citizen cooperation in conserving water.
"It is crucial that everyone contributes to the responsible use of water to ensure its availability for the future," the council stressed.
Residents are advised to stay updated with official announcements regarding the water quality before resuming consumption from the tap.