Yesterday, Tenerife announced a state of water emergency, a move expected to be mirrored by other councils across the Canary Islands, following in the footsteps of local councils like Fasnia and Arico on Tenerife, and Vallehermoso and Hermigua on La Gomera. This action comes after experiencing the driest autumn and winter in recent decades, leaving the islands’ aquifers nearly depleted and reservoirs at only 40% capacity, a stark contrast to the usual 72% capacity expected around this time of year in Tenerife.
In response, Marcos Lorenzo, head of the Canary Islands’ Vice-Ministry of Water and former mayor of Tijarafe, has scheduled a crucial meeting for March 11th. This gathering will include representatives from the Island Councils and local municipalities to discuss and agree on urgent water-saving measures for both drinking and irrigation purposes, and to evaluate the progress of planned desalination projects.
Mari Brito, the mayoress of Candelaria and president of Fecam, expressed growing concern over the drought and its impending effects, confirming the urgency of the meeting to DIARIO DE AVISOS. Although there are currently no water restrictions in her municipality, she has been informed by Aqualia of potential water supply tensions during the upcoming summer if the dry conditions persist.
To combat the scarcity, Mari Brito revealed that the installation of a significant desalination plant to serve the Güímar Valley’s three municipalities has been sanctioned by the Insular Water Council. This decision followed her January recommendation for increased dialogue between the municipalities and Ciatf to ensure a more reliable water supply.
Furthermore, seven northern municipalities from San Juan de la Rambla to Buenavista have already flagged their water scarcity concerns. Fasnia initiated consumption restrictions, with Vilaflor expected to advocate for “responsible consumption” imminently, as stated by mayoress Agustina Beltrán.
In a related development, Arico Town Council has issued a decree banning the use of potable water for activities like irrigation, filling swimming pools, cleaning facades, vehicle washing (except at petrol stations), and using beach showers to mitigate the water crisis.
