Tenerife Considers Ending Water Emergency After Rains
Tenerife's Island Council is considering ending its water emergency following recent rains that boosted reservoir levels to 41%, while also approving €5 million for a new portable desalination plant in Puerto de la Cruz.
The Tenerife Island Council is thinking about ending the island's water emergency, especially after recent rains from storms Claudia and Emilia. Second Vice President José Miguel Ruano announced this, noting that the 21 reservoirs in the Balten network are now 41% full, which makes them reconsider the need for the emergency declaration. The emergency was declared because of a long period of low rainfall, less available water, and the risk of shortages, particularly in busy urban areas.
Ruano explained that the water emergency helped ensure that people's water needs were met, above all else. He also reported that yesterday, the Governing Council approved five million euros for a portable desalination plant in Puerto de la Cruz. This project completes the most important work started on the island after an extreme drought was declared in May 2024, a declaration that runs until February 28 next year. The plant will be able to treat 2,800 cubic meters of water daily and will take 26 months to build. The agreement with Puerto de la Cruz City Council ensures the town will have water and that its quality will improve. The funding will be spread over several years: 2.5 million euros in 2026 and another 2.5 million in 2027.
Besides the desalination plant, the Island Council's money will also pay for the pipes that carry water to the Esquilón II and La Vera reservoirs. José Miguel Ruano noted that this project is necessary because of the water emergency. The goal is to provide more drinking water for Puerto de la Cruz and improve its quality. This is needed because demand has grown, natural water sources have shrunk, and some water supplies contain nitrates.
The island councilor also stressed how important the recent heavy snowfall in Teide National Park is, especially since this major protected area in Tenerife and the Canary Islands has been short on water. He believes Teide faces two main issues: drought, which is "improving and is a reason to celebrate," and mobility, which "we need to sort out ourselves." He is talking about a document the Tenerife Island Council must create to decide how people can access the park and what transport they can use, following the new Master Plan for Use and Management (PRUG).