We want water

PROTESTING residents in Els Pontets, Crevillente, are demanding a proper water supply.
Hundreds gathered outside the Town Hall demanding the Mayor resolve their water issue after spending over a week without a supply.
There are around 1,000 people in the area who are without water following a legal dispute between two private companies than run the supply with one claiming the other owes them money. Following numerous public protests and meetings, residents refuse to pay off the debt themselves and complain the water is not fit to be used in any form.
“The water is contaminated,” said Francisco, one of the main demonstrators and spokesman for the residents.
He showed an independent analytical water report showing it has a strong presence of heavy metals, copper and zinc as well as over 20 farming and chemical products and E-coli. “It is very dangerous to even use this water on gardens and crops.”
The complaints go back over a decade with one resident showing a denuncia made in 2004 about the lack of a proper water supply.
British expats Andy and Lesley have lived in the area for 12 years. They said the reservoir is now empty and they are having to pay for their water to be added to their own ‘pozo’ which is then pumped into the house for use, but some residents do not even have a well like this that they can use and are literally without any form of water.
“We have an elderly lady nearby who lives on her own and we are taking water up to her daily. The other campos have water supply and so should we.”
Lydia Candela added: “It is not our fault, it is a human need and right to have clean, uncontaminated water.”
Mayor Cesar Asencio has continually said the town hall is unable to assist as the issue is a dispute between two private companies, but residents are calling for him to step up and send water tankers to the area in the meantime.