Fertilizers used in intensive agriculture, particularly irrigation-based farming, and waste from industrial livestock operations are contaminating the water for over 260,000 Spanish citizens. According to a study by Ecologistas en Acción, the water in 332 municipalities exceeds the legal limit for nitrates, endangering the health of their inhabitants.
The report indicates that this contamination particularly affects smaller municipalities with fewer resources for water treatment, and women, who are often responsible for collecting water. The situation is considered structural for 47 municipalities in various autonomous communities, which have experienced it annually since 2021.
Half of Spanish municipalities (51.25%) consume water daily with more than 6mg/l of nitrates, a level that scientific studies suggest increases the risk of colorectal and prostate cancer. Ecologistas en Acción criticizes the intensive agricultural and livestock model for prioritizing economic profit over public health and ecosystem protection.
The environmental organization proposes a drastic change in the factory farming model and in fertilizer-dependent agriculture. They urge the Ministry of Health to reduce the permissible nitrate limit in drinking water to 6mg/l and to apply the 'polluter pays' principle to the companies responsible for this contamination.
