Andorra Minister Completes Draft Water Law for Climate Era

Guillem Casal, Andorra's Minister of Environment, Agriculture and Livestock, now expresses confidence that the new water law draft can be finalised before the current legislative term ends, despite earlier reservations about parliamentary timelines.

The ministry has completed the technical groundwork to replace the outdated 1980s pre-constitutional legislation, which Casal described as "very heavy." Officials consulted more than 150 stakeholders, including parish councils, parliamentary groups, farmers, ranchers, associations, FEDA, Andorra Research and Innovation, Capesa, Caldea, ski resorts and others.

"Our text is closed on our end," Casal told Diari d'Andorra, adding that Andorra "needs a new water law." He views the completed technical phase as "the best way to guarantee there will be a text," even if approval comes in 2026 or later.

In a recent interview, Casal shifted from prior doubts about timing, stating he is convinced the government can deliver the document before the term concludes. The draft adapts international standards, including elements of the European Water Framework Directive, to Andorra's context—where water flows transboundary rather than to a domestic sea.

The comprehensive framework covers all uses beyond household consumption, amid climate-driven challenges like droughts. It includes contingency plans prioritising allocations, a new water resources authority, public domain classification for water bodies, the "polluter pays" principle and supply reliability measures. Domestic use aligns with circular economy caps at 150 litres per person per day, based on equivalent population—a threshold Andorra has consistently met.