San Andrés Sewage Spill Reaches Coast, Blamed on Waste

Santa Cruz de Tenerife authorities had to step in after sewage spilled in the San Andrés area, reaching a nearby ravine and the coast.

According to city council sources, the problem, noticed yesterday afternoon, was caused by a blockage in the sewer system. This blockage happened because people put waste into the sewers that shouldn't be there.

Blockages like this, often from things like wet wipes and cooking fats, are a common issue for city sewers. They don't just cause operational problems; they also pose environmental risks to our coastal areas.

The city's response was quick, with the Public Services department working with the water company, Emmasa. Teams were sent out immediately to stop the spill, clear out the built-up waste, and get the sewer system working again. The situation is now under control, and the affected area is being closely watched.

Santa Cruz Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez highlighted that they immediately followed their emergency plan. Their main goal was to contain the spill and protect the environment and health of San Andrés. Carlos Tarife, the first deputy mayor and head of Public Services, also praised how quickly the teams dealt with the problem. However, he warned that even though the system works well, putting the wrong materials down the drain can still cause it to break down.

The City Council stressed that this was an isolated incident. They also reminded everyone how important it is for residents to help prevent these issues. City rules for using the sewage system clearly forbid flushing anything that could block pipes or stop wastewater from flowing. This includes things like fats, wet wipes, bits of paper, plastics, used motor oil, and any solid item bigger than 1.5 centimeters.

The city council confirmed that they will continue to monitor the system and carry out preventative maintenance, working with Emmasa.