Tacoronte Council Rejects Desalination for Local Water Strategy
The Tacoronte City Council has approved a plan backing residents who oppose a desalination plant on Mesa del Mar, instead prioritizing a local water strategy focused on sustainable groundwater use from aquifers and wells for self-sufficiency.
The Tacoronte City Council has taken a stand in the debate over how water is managed in the area. They are backing residents who oppose building a desalination plant on the Mesa del Mar coast. At a recent council meeting, they urgently approved a plan to support a local water strategy. This strategy aims for self-sufficiency by sustainably using groundwater from natural underground reserves (aquifers) and wells.
The plan was approved with votes from both the ruling coalition (PSOE-CC-PP) and all opposition parties (NC, Somos Tacoronte, Sí Se puede, and Ciudadanos). Vox, however, chose to abstain, which meant the document couldn't be formally declared an institutional statement.
The document, put forward by the Civic Platform and backed by local residents and groups, points out the serious water shortage in the Canary Islands due to climate change and dwindling reserves. Because of this, Mesa del Mar residents have rejected plans for a desalination plant. They believe such a facility would cause significant damage to the land and environment. Instead, they are calling for more sustainable options, like using local aquifers and wells, to be the priority.
Among the agreed points, the City Council has promised to thoroughly and scientifically study the true potential of the Tacoronte aquifer, looking at both how much water it holds and its quality, before making any major decisions. They are calling for a detailed technical study, including drilling, pumping tests, and water geology analyses. This study will determine how quickly the aquifer refills, how much water is truly available, and its quality.
Another key goal for the municipality is to become self-sufficient in drinking water, using existing wells, underground tunnels (galleries), and reservoirs. They also rule out dumping water into the sea or using coastal filter wells. The council is also asking for active help from the Cabildo de Tenerife and the Insular Water Council. Furthermore, they've agreed to create a special group for public involvement in water management.