Tenerife Cabildo Extends Water Emergency Declaration Until February 2026
The Tenerife Cabildo has officially extended the declaration of a water emergency on the island until the end of February 2026. This decision aims to consolidate ongoing measures designed to boost water production and prevent potential shortages that could arise due to changing climate conditions and increased demand.
Background of the Water Emergency
The water emergency was first declared on 29th May 2024 for an initial period of six months. Since then, it has been extended multiple times as the island grapples with the challenges posed by prolonged drought conditions. The latest decision to prolong the emergency was made by the Drought Committee (Mesa de la Sequía), which convened this week to assess the current water situation on the island, particularly as the existing extension approaches its end on 28th October.
Cabildo President Rosa Dávila emphasized the necessity of this extension, stating that it would “ensure the capacity of the interventions carried out in recent years, during which we have managed to go through two summers without any major water restrictions.” This statement underscores the importance of proactive measures in managing the island’s water resources effectively.
Current Initiatives and Future Projections
Blanca Pérez, the councillor for Natural Environment, Sustainability, Security, and Emergencies, elaborated on the rationale behind the extension. She explained that it is essential to “consolidate the measures currently in progress to avoid future supply risks, despite the improved weather conditions compared to previous years.” This highlights the Cabildo’s commitment to ensuring a sustainable water supply for the island’s residents and visitors alike.
Among the ongoing initiatives are the overproduction of treated water and the commissioning of desalination plants located in Granadilla, the western part of the island, as well as in Santa Cruz and Cepsa. These plants are expected to become fully operational within the next two months, significantly enhancing the island’s water supply capabilities.
The declaration encompasses 75 specific measures aimed at preventing or reducing supply risks linked to the climate crisis. Since the launch of these initiatives, Tenerife has successfully added infrastructure that increases daily water production by over 8,000 cubic metres, bringing the current capacity to an impressive 34,497 m³ per day. This increase is a testament to the Cabildo’s dedication to addressing the water scarcity issues that have plagued the island.
Looking ahead, the Cabildo’s latest projections indicate that by the end of 2025, nearly 54,000 m³ per day will be added to the island’s water supply. This represents an increase of around 20,000 m³ compared to current production levels, which is a significant boost that will help to secure the island’s water resources for the future.
The ongoing efforts to enhance water production are crucial not only for meeting the needs of the local population but also for supporting the tourism industry, which is a vital part of Tenerife’s economy. As the island continues to experience fluctuations in rainfall and temperature, the measures being implemented now will play a critical role in ensuring a stable water supply for years to come.
Key Points
- The Tenerife Cabildo has extended the water emergency until February 2026.
- The water emergency was first declared on May 29, 2024.
- The Drought Committee assessed the water situation before the extension.
- Rosa Dávila emphasized the importance of ongoing interventions.
- Desalination plants in Granadilla, Santa Cruz, and Cepsa are expected to be operational soon.
- The current water production capacity is 34,497 m³ per day.
- Projections indicate an increase to nearly 54,000 m³ per day by the end of 2025.
