Investigation Launched into Sewage Contamination at Tenerife’s Playa Jardín

Five public officials are currently under investigation for alleged environmental violations related to sewage discharges at Playa Jardín in Tenerife. This situation has raised significant concerns among residents and environmental advocates, as the beach is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

Legal Proceedings and Complaints

The case is being processed by Court of First Instance No. 2 in Puerto de la Cruz, following a formal complaint from the Environmental Prosecutor’s Office based in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. This investigation is still in its preliminary phase, with a court order issued on February 6 requesting the public prosecutor to evaluate whether any proceedings should be halted against those involved. The legal scrutiny reflects the seriousness of the allegations and the potential implications for public health and environmental safety.

Among those being investigated, a former island tourism councillor initially mentioned in the complaint is no longer included in the inquiry. This development raises questions about the extent of accountability and the criteria used to determine involvement in the case.

Health Risks and Water Quality Concerns

Public Health authorities issued warnings on June 21, 2024, regarding elevated levels of E. coli and enterococci in the waters at Playa Jardín, advising against swimming. However, it was not until July 3 that the local council formally prohibited bathing, a restriction that remained in place until June 2025, just before the San Juan celebrations. This delay in action has sparked outrage among health advocates and beachgoers alike, who feel that timely communication could have prevented health risks.

During this period, despite the warnings, many bathers frequented the beach, even as water samples indicated E. coli levels reaching up to 1,000 colony-forming units per millilitre. This figure significantly surpasses the 250 units considered “excellent” and the 500 units threshold for “sufficient” or “good” water quality. The high levels of contamination pose serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.

The prosecutor’s complaint highlights the serious health risks associated with exposure to high levels of faecal contamination, which can lead to waterborne illnesses such as respiratory infections, diarrhea, vomiting, and even meningitis. These potential health impacts underline the urgency of addressing the sewage issues at Playa Jardín and ensuring that public health is prioritized.

Infrastructure Issues and Environmental Concerns

The Environmental Prosecutor has pointed out critical deficiencies in the sewerage system of Puerto de la Cruz, noting that numerous homes lack connections to the main sewage network. This lack of infrastructure not only contributes to the contamination of local waters but also raises broader questions about urban planning and environmental management in the region. Particular scrutiny has been directed towards the wastewater treatment facility serving the Valle de La Orotava area and its underwater discharge pipe at Punta Brava.

Prosecutors have indicated that there is no documentation of regular monitoring of the outfall structure under maximum load conditions. Additionally, there is no evidence that monthly samples were taken from the discharge point as mandated. For over a decade, flow data from discharged effluent has reportedly not been submitted to the Canary Islands Government’s Vice-Ministry for the Environment, which may constitute a breach of discharge authorization conditions. This lack of oversight raises significant concerns about regulatory compliance and environmental protection.

Concerns have also been raised regarding the treatment of wastewater. Samples collected by the Guardia Civil’s environmental protection unit (SEPRONA) revealed inadequate treatment, with one sample exhibiting a strong chlorine odor. Chemical agents, including caustic soda and sodium hypochlorite, were reportedly used for disinfection. The reliance on these chemicals without proper treatment protocols poses risks to both human health and the environment.

In November 2023, a decree acknowledged a crack in the submarine outfall pipe, leading to increased disinfection efforts to mitigate its effects until repairs could be made. However, prosecutors caution that using chlorine for wastewater treatment poses risks, especially if organic matter and suspended solids have not been adequately removed. While chlorine effectively eliminates bacteria and viruses, it can react with organic materials to produce harmful substances such as trihalomethanes and chloramines, which are detrimental to both human health and marine ecosystems. This situation highlights the need for comprehensive solutions to wastewater management that prioritize safety and environmental integrity.

The investigation is ongoing, with further developments expected as authorities continue to assess the situation and its implications for public health and environmental standards.

Key points

• Five public officials are under investigation for environmental offences at Playa Jardín, Tenerife.
• The case is being handled by Court of First Instance No. 2 in Puerto de la Cruz.
• Public Health authorities warned against swimming due to high levels of E. coli and enterococci.
• Many bathers continued to use the beach despite health warnings.
• Significant deficiencies in the sewerage network have been highlighted by the Environmental Prosecutor.
• Concerns over wastewater treatment practices and chlorine use have been raised.
• The investigation remains in its preliminary stages.