Editorial: La Vanguardia

• Recent droughts have led to strict restrictions on water consumption in Catalonia.
• The Generalitat of Catalonia has chosen to amend the Special Drought Plan (PES) to allow the refilling of swimming pools under certain restrictions.
• The use of the concept 'climate refuge' for swimming pools is apt in the current emergency times when some municipalities have to cut water supply.
• The responsibility of deciding which swimming pools can reopen falls on the local city councils. However, there are concerns regarding equity and specificity of requirements.
• For private pools, signed agreements must be ensured with public institutions to guarantee safety and responsibility.

Conclusion: Drought presents a significant challenge to Catalonia and effective and equitable measures must be taken to mitigate its effects, especially regarding the use of swimming pools as climate refuges.

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