The dilemma for many tourist regions for 2009 is how to keep fresh, clean water flowing to serve both their full time residents and holidaymakets too.
biza is confronting these challenges. Ibiza is located in the Mediterranean Sea and is the third largest of the Balearic Islands autonomous community of Spain.
The island rests approximately 80 kilometers off Spain's coast. Ibiza's largest cities are Ibiza Town, Santa Eula, ria des Riu and Sant Antoni de Portmany.
Ibiza is spending approximately 13.5 million Euros or more than 17.3 million U.S. dollars to get fresh water. Spain's Ministry of the Environment is spending this to upgrade the islands water infrastructure.
On the island, three plants produce fresh water for residents and tourists. These plants are in Ibiza Town, Santa Eulalia and San Antonio.
Only certain parts of the island have access to this desalinated water. Some areas of Ibiza still get their water from wells. The problem is that water from these wells has high concentrations of calcium and salt. This is not the best for washing hair, dishes or clothing.
The hard water is also not good for dishwashers and washing machines. The mineral deposits from the water build up in pipes and tanks. It's the same when hard water build up mineral deposits in kettles and coffee machines, which require de-scaling. This is the problem locals and visitors face in certain parts of Ibiza.
The upgrade by The Ministry of the Environment will provide connections to the three desalination plants on the island. Towns and villages on the island will be able to enjoy fresh water. This will make the island even more attractive to visitors who wish to explore this holiday destination who aren't just visiting for the weather in Ibiza
Ibiza is not the only area facing water challenges. Las Vegas has a continuing battle on their hands with H2O. Las Vegas has been experiencing droughts in recent years.
A trend that may continue for the near future, it has officials concerned. In 2007, some news reports in the city said that proposed water projects are falling short of what the area will require.
There is also significant population growth in Las Vegas. This is putting a strain on the water supply in itself. Then couple that with the influx of tourists daily, and their water needs. Water levels at neighbouring Lake Mead in Nevada have dropped. In recent years, they are half of what they were seven years ago.
The Southern Nevada Water Authority has spent millions for new pumps to bring water in from the lake. This expenditure doubled the capacity of the second water intake drawing drinking water from Lake Mead.
The Water Authority is also working to pipe in groundwater from White Pine County. The first water will not flow into Las Vegas until 2012.
Las Vegas fears a larger crisis. Officials fear continuing droughts and lack of pipelines bringing in water from sources other than Lake Mead will cause water shortages. They believe the gap in water use and water supply will affect half a million people by 2012.
Worldwide the problem of fresh water is a serious one. Mexico has a problem with clean drinking water. Much of their water supply is contaminated by pollution.
Some areas of this popular tourist country do not have running water. Some areas of Mexico have no sewage service. Tourists often receive warnings not to drink the water in Mexico, to drink bottled water from quality sources instead.
This past March, Cyprus faced their battle with continuing drought. This led them to purchase water from Greece. The country ordered emergency water rationing and imports from Greece.
This was to get a grip on a growing shortage caused by a fourth year of drought. Cyprus saw their reservoir reserves drop significantly. In March, the island's reservoirs were 10.3 percent full. Desalination plants could not cope with the growing demand.
It seems fresh water is the new oil for some areas. It's in great demand and in short supply. It is vital to regions that rely on tourist dollars and euros for economic survival.
It costs money for governments to install the infrastructure for fresh water. To serve citizens and visitors properly, this investment will be necessary in years to come.
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