Water on Mallorca: What builders should consider when planning new builds and refurbishments

Anyone planning a new construction project on Mallorca or renovating an existing property usually focuses first on location, architecture and materials. One key issue, however, often only comes into focus at a later stage: water supply. On an island with limited natural resources, water is a decisive factor for living comfort, sustainability and the long-term preservation of a property’s value.

The Special Water Situation on Mallorca

Mallorca has only limited freshwater resources. Depending on the region, water is supplied through municipal networks, groundwater wells or, increasingly, through seawater desalination. During the summer months, when water consumption rises sharply due to tourism and irrigation, pressure fluctuations or supply shortages can occur in some municipalities. For builders, this means that water supply planning should not be treated as a secondary issue but must be an integral part of the overall concept from the very beginning.

Water Quality – A Frequently Underestimated Issue

Another central aspect is water quality. Although tap water on Mallorca is officially classified as drinking water, it has a high mineral content in many areas. In particular, limescale and salts place a strain on household appliances, fittings and pipework. In addition, water composition can change when desalinated seawater is temporarily fed into the supply network. Many residents find the taste of the water unpleasant and therefore rely on bottled water.
For builders, this clearly indicates that technical water treatment solutions have become almost indispensable today – especially in high-quality new developments.

Modern Water Treatment in New Builds

In new construction projects on Mallorca, individual water treatment systems have now become almost standard. The use of water softening systems significantly reduces the high limescale content, increasing everyday comfort while also extending the service life of the entire building services infrastructure. In addition, filtration systems help minimize suspended particles, chlorine residues and taste impairments. Reverse osmosis systems are frequently installed for kitchens or drinking water areas, providing particularly pure water.
The major advantage in new builds is that these systems can be sensibly integrated into the building services from the outset, avoiding space constraints and costly retrofitting.

Renovation of Existing Properties: Thoroughly Check Water Pipes

In refurbishment projects on Mallorca, attention is often focused on aesthetics and layout, while water pipes are frequently overlooked. Many pipe systems in existing properties date back to times when neither water quality nor today’s consumption levels were taken into account. Corroded metal pipes, insufficient pipe diameters or a lack of pressure regulation can lead to long-term damage and reduced comfort.
As part of any renovation, it is therefore advisable to have the entire water system professionally inspected. Replacing old pipes and adding modern filtration and softening technology not only increases operational reliability but also significantly enhances the value of the property.

Rainwater and Cisterns as a Sustainable Supplement

In view of increasing water scarcity, the use of rainwater is also gaining importance on Mallorca. Cisterns can be easily integrated, particularly in new builds, and used for garden irrigation, pool refilling or – with appropriate technology – even for toilet flushing. This reduces the burden on the public drinking water network and lowers overall water consumption. In addition to ecological benefits, economic considerations also play a role, as operating costs can be reduced in the long term.

Pools, Gardens and Responsible Water Consumption

Pools and lush gardens are part of the Mediterranean lifestyle for many builders. At the same time, however, they represent significant water consumption. Through forward-looking planning, consumption and evaporation losses can be significantly reduced. Efficient irrigation systems, adapted planting and pool covers help save water without compromising comfort.

Conclusion

Water is both a sensitive and central issue on Mallorca. Anyone building or renovating should address the origin, quality and use of water at an early stage. Thoughtful planning protects against future problems, enhances living comfort and ensures the property is future-proof. Especially in the context of climate change, a sustainable water strategy is becoming an increasingly decisive quality factor in construction projects on Mallorca.