Santa Cruz de Tenerife Secures Five-Day Water Reserve Amid Shift to Desalination

Santa Cruz de Tenerife has secured a reliable water supply that can last for more than five days, a vital safety net as the city increasingly relies on desalination. According to the City Council and Emmasa, a subsidiary of the Sacyr group, the city maintains 204,000 cubic meters of water across 38 reservoirs. This infrastructure is essential for navigating the island’s challenging terrain and ensuring a steady supply if technical issues arise.

Over the last 20 years, the city’s water management has shifted significantly. While Santa Cruz once relied almost entirely on underground wells and galleries, 62% of its domestic water now comes from the desalination plant. Since opening in 2001, the plant has been expanded and now produces 28,800 cubic meters of water daily.

This water is delivered through a network of nearly 1,000 kilometers of pipes, managed by advanced leak-detection and pressure-monitoring systems. Recent investments include over 925,000 euros to upgrade the Los Campitos reservoir. This project allows the reservoir to receive water directly from the desalination plant, providing a more flexible supply for the city’s mid-altitude neighborhoods.

The system reaches even the most remote areas, including the rugged landscape of Anaga, where smaller facilities serve communities like Taganana and San Andrés. To further protect its resources, the city is also implementing a "Zero Discharge" plan. This initiative focuses on treating and reusing wastewater to irrigate public parks and gardens, completing a sustainable cycle that helps prevent shortages in a region where careful water management is essential.