E-3870/03EN
Answer given by
Mrs Wallström
on behalf of
the Commission
(17 February
2004)
The Commission
is aware of the extremely low flows in the lower reaches of the Jścar river.
The proposed
transfer of water from the Jścar to the Vinalopó is based on the assumption
that significant savings of water use will be made in the upper reaches of the
Jścar as a result of improvements to be made to the irrigation systems in the
region. The water which is saved as a result of these improvements in efficiency
will be transferred to the Vinalopó. Given that the water which is planned to
be transferred will become available as a result of savings in current water
use, the Commission does not believe there will be any deterioration in the
status of the Jścar as a result of the proposed transfer.
The
Hydrological Plan of the Jścar river watershed also considers the improvement
of the traditional irrigation systems deserved by the Acequia Real del Jucar,
which may result in new saved resources available for the lower reaches of
the river.
With regard to
the implementation of the Water Framework Directive[1], the requirement to achieve good ecological and chemical status by
2015 will apply to the river Jścar in the same way that it applies to all
bodies of surface water in the EU. Similarly, the requirements of the Habitats
Directive[2] must also be respected.