Tenerife is grappling with a severe drought, prompting the Insular Water Council to declare a water emergency. This decision comes after prolonged low rainfall, leading to critically low water reserves. The council has introduced 75 measures to address the crisis, aiming to prioritize essential water usage and implement conservation strategies.
Impact on Tourism: Higher Water Rates
One significant measure involves adjusting water tariffs to reflect usage priorities. Hotels, holiday homes, and other tourist accommodations will face higher water rates than residents and farmers. This initiative ensures that essential services and agriculture receive adequate water supply during emergencies. Blanca Pérez, the Minister of Natural Environment, emphasized the need for the tourism sector to contribute fairly, noting that tourism accounts for approximately 10% of the island’s water consumption.
Public Awareness and Conservation Efforts
Authorities are urging both residents and visitors to reduce water consumption by 25%, aiming to lower the average usage from 200 liters per person per day to 150 liters. Efforts include public awareness campaigns highlighting the importance of water conservation and practical steps individuals can take to minimize usage.
Infrastructure Improvements and Long-Term Solutions
The Cabildo (island government) has announced plans to invest in infrastructure improvements in response to the crisis. Projects include expanding the desalination plant in Granadilla de Abona to increase water production by over 2,000 cubic meters daily, benefiting various high-altitude areas in the south. Additionally, efforts are underway to address significant water loss in municipal networks, where leaks can account for up to 60% of water waste in some areas.
Collaboration with the Private Sector
Private enterprises also play a role in mitigating water shortages. Companies like Loro Parque and Cepsa have committed to making their water surpluses available to residents and the agricultural sector. They also work to increase water production using their resources, demonstrating a collaborative approach to managing the crisis.
Environmental Concerns and Tourism Sustainability
The water shortage has intensified discussions about the sustainability of Tenerife’s tourism model. Activists argue that the influx of millions of tourists depletes natural resources and harms the environment. In the first nine months of the year, 9.9 million tourists visited the Canary Islands, whose population was 2.2 million in 2023. Protests have also occurred in Spanish regions like Barcelona, Mallorca, and Malaga.
Health Advisories: Beach Closures Due to Contamination
Compounding the water crisis, health officials have indefinitely closed Playa Jardín beach in Puerto de la Cruz after detecting E. coli bacteria in the water, linked to wastewater pollution. Visitors are advised against swimming, as exposure could lead to infections affecting the ears, eyes, skin, nasal passages, and gastrointestinal systems. Warning signs in multiple languages have been posted at beach entrances to inform the public.
Looking Ahead
As Tenerife navigates this challenging period, combining immediate measures and long-term strategies aims to secure the island’s water future. The situation underscores the delicate balance between supporting a thriving tourism industry and preserving essential resources for residents and the environment.
