Tenerife on the verge of a water crisis: urgent measures are not enough

Tenerife is drying up! The island is on the verge of a serious water crisis if urgent measures are not taken. This is the warning from the Tenerife Water Council (CIATF). They say the situation is critical, and the measures introduced after the declaration of a water emergency in May 2024 are no longer sufficient.

The CIATF report states that water is becoming increasingly scarce, while needs are increasing. Therefore, the focus should be on water desalination, reuse, conservation, and public awareness.

Previously, residents of Tenerife drew water from underground because there was almost none on the surface. But recent years of drought have finally disrupted the balance, and groundwater is not being replenished quickly enough.

Due to reduced rainfall, the galleries and wells that provide 70% of the island's water will yield 60% less water by 2033 than in 1985.

Once, in 1965, Tenerife had the most galleries and wells – 1,500. Now there are only 589 and 180, respectively. Back then, they extracted 255 billion liters of water. In 1985, it was 212 billion, and now it is 188 billion.

It is projected that by 2033, this figure will fall to 127 billion liters. This means that groundwater is being depleted, and rainfall cannot replenish it.

Therefore, the Water Council emphasizes the need to shift to a model that relies more on desalination and water reuse.

However, it is also important to preserve groundwater. This requires control and protection measures to ensure the stability of water resources in the face of climate change and growing needs.

Tenerife needs more and more water, but it is becoming increasingly scarce. Over the past 25 years, water needs have increased by 10% due to population growth and tourism. It is expected that by 2033, the island will have over a million residents, plus millions of tourists.

Therefore, the total demand for water will increase from 186 billion liters in 2010 to 203.2 billion in 2033. And this amount of water will simply not be enough unless the system is changed.

The largest consumers of water are people and tourists – 48.2%. Agriculture uses 45.3%, industry 2.4%, and golf courses 2%.

Currently, 70% of the water comes from underground sources, and the rest from desalination and regeneration systems.

The problem could worsen if the owners of water galleries stop investing in their maintenance. The fact is that the permits for these galleries expire in 2040, and they will become state property.

To prevent this, the authorities of Tenerife want to change the water law and extend the permits. They consider this very important for ensuring water supply in the future.

Some gallery owners are already reducing investments, which could lead to a decrease in water flow.

Engineer Juan José Braojos predicts that the decline in underground flow will continue due to overexploitation and insufficient rainfall. He believes that groundwater is not being replenished as quickly as it is being used.

To start restoring water reserves, it is necessary to reduce the share of water provided by underground sources from 70% to 45-50%.

Even if underground sources maintain their contribution, it will still be necessary to increase seawater desalination. According to forecasts, desalination volumes will need to be doubled by 2033.

If this is not done, it will be necessary to strengthen water conservation and reuse measures.

The measures taken after the declaration of a state of emergency are not enough. More serious action is needed.

The Water Council recalls that the emergency situation involves the implementation of measures to improve the efficiency and conservation of water resources.

But, according to forecasts, more decisive action is needed. Time is short – only eight years. Considering that the construction of a large desalination plant takes about five years.