Villarcayo regulates the water charging point for agricultural irrigation

The Plenary Session of the City Council of Villarcayo de Merindad de Castilla la Vieja initially approved, in a session held on August 13, 2026, the Municipal Ordinance regulating the operation of the water charging point for agricultural use, a service intended for the filling of tanks or cisterns for agricultural treatments. The agreement, adopted with 8 votes in favor, 0 against, and 2 abstentions, is published in the Official Gazette of the Province of Burgos, number 167, dated September 3, 2026, with reference BOPBUR-2026-03657.

The regulation is processed under file 1681/2026 and is issued under municipal competencies regarding environmental protection, public health, and water management, in accordance with Law 7/1985, of April 2, regulating the Bases of the Local Regime. The text, which entered the administrative circuit with the Mayoral order of June 11, 2026, and the mandatory legal report of July 2, was submitted to the Plenary through the resolution proposal Pr/2026/1341, dated July 2, 2026.

Purpose and conditions of use

The ordinance defines the charging point as a municipal installation intended exclusively for the supply of water for the filling of sanitary tanks or cisterns used in agricultural activities. Access will be controlled through the computer application or management system determined by the Municipal Water Service, and each authorized user will have their own credentials or means of access.

The following are expressly prohibited:

• Washing application equipment or pouring out remnants of phytosanitary products.
• Depositing containers or waste from phytosanitary products.
• Washing agricultural implements, tractors, vehicles, or machinery of any kind.
• Using the water for purposes other than agricultural ones linked to plots within the municipal district.

Authorizations will be annual and will be renewed automatically unless notified otherwise, and the service may be available 24 hours a day, although the city council may temporarily suspend it for maintenance, breakdowns, adverse weather conditions, or water scarcity.

Sanctioning regime

Title III of the ordinance defines the infractions and their sanctions. The washing of equipment, the pouring or depositing of waste, the washing of machinery, the use of water for unauthorized purposes, access by unauthorized third parties, and the damage or improper use of the facilities are considered minor offenses. Falsity in the data of the registration application is considered a serious offense.

• Minor infractions: fine of up to 300 euros.
• Serious infractions: fine of up to 800 euros.

In both cases, the obligation to repair the damages caused and the responsibilities that may derive from the applicable sectoral regulations are added. The persons authorized to use the service shall be held responsible.

Allegations and entry into force

The agreement subjects the ordinance to public information and a hearing for interested parties, with publication in the Official Gazette of the Province and on the town hall’s notice board, for a period of 30 business days to submit claims or suggestions. If no allegations are presented, the text will be considered definitively approved and published in full, with the certification being sent to the State Administration and the autonomous community within fifteen days.

The ordinance will enter into force once definitively approved and published in full in the provincial gazette. The agreement, dated August 21, 2026, authorizes the mayor-president, Adrián Serna del Pozo, to sign the documents related to the matter.

The new regulation affects all farmers in the municipality who use the loading point and seeks to guarantee an orderly and sustainable use of irrigation water, prevent pollution from phytosanitary products, and provide the town hall with a clear sanctioning framework. During the allegations period, interested parties may provide suggestions that will be resolved by the corporation prior to final approval.

Source: Official Gazette of the Province of Burgos, no. 167, September 3, 2026, III. Local Administration, pgs. 10-14 (official reference: BOPBUR-2026-03657, file 1681/2026).