Tenerife Announces €500 Million Investment to Secure Water Supply

Tenerife is at a critical turning point in how it manages its water. The Island Council (Cabildo Insular) has announced a record-breaking investment of over 500 million euros to secure the island’s water supply for the next decade. This move comes as a response to the 2027-2033 Hydrological Plan, which warns that without major infrastructure upgrades, water demand from residents, tourists, and businesses will soon exceed the island's supply capacity, potentially surpassing 196 billion liters per year.

The island’s current water model is fragile, relying on groundwater for 73% of its supply. Years of over-extracting from aquifers, combined with difficult terrain and unpredictable rainfall, have led to a steady decline in water production from wells and galleries. In 1965, 255 cubic hectometers were extracted; by 2033, that figure is expected to drop below 130 if nothing changes. To make matters worse, 40% of the water currently captured is lost due to leaks in the distribution network.

To fix this, the island has launched a four-part recovery plan:

First, the council is prioritizing desalination. New plants are planned for the Güímar Valley, Valle de Guerra, Puerto de la Cruz, and Isla Baja, alongside an expansion of the Cueva Bermeja facility. The goal is to increase desalinated water production from 40 billion to over 60 billion liters annually, while powering these plants with renewable energy to avoid the high costs of fossil fuels.

Second, the Cabildo is pushing for a "circular" water economy. Building on the success of the Los Letrados and West treatment plants, the plan aims to triple the use of recycled water to 30 billion liters per year. With 230 million euros in funding from the Ministry for the Ecological Transition, this treated water will be used for farming and maintaining green spaces, taking the pressure off the island’s drinking water supply.

Finally, the plan addresses the island’s traditional network of wells and galleries. Because the legal status of these century-old systems is uncertain under the 1990 Water Law—which expires in 2040—the Cabildo is working to change the regulations. By extending administrative permits, the council hopes to give these water communities the legal security they need to keep investing in their infrastructure.

Through these measures, the Island Council aims to boost total water availability to 217 billion liters per year. This would safely cover the projected demand for 2033 and protect the island’s future economy.