Tenerife is not expecting any water restrictions this summer, thanks to a significant increase in reservoir storage levels across the island. This was the main message from the seventh meeting of the Mesa Insular de la Sequía (Island Drought Committee), held on Friday and chaired by the Cabildo.
Island reservoirs are currently at 71% capacity after a wet spring, reducing the risk of water supply issues for both residential and agricultural use. According to Blanca Pérez, the island’s Councillor for Natural Environment, Tenerife has seen a major improvement in its storage capacity, up to 68.2% this year compared to 39.8% in summer 2024. That’s an increase of 1.7 million cubic metres of water in reserve.
“With recent inflows, around 27,000 cubic metres, and the rainfall in March and April, the outlook for this summer is reasonably good,” said Pérez. She also noted that no municipalities have requested additional water supplies from the Island Water Council ahead of the summer season.
Infrastructure Projects Underway
The council also discussed key infrastructure developments aimed at securing Tenerife’s long-term water future. Notably, two major projects are now in the tendering phase:
“These are crucial investments,” said Pérez. “Each facility will generate 30,000 cubic metres of water per day, meaning a combined addition of 60,000 cubic metres daily to the metropolitan system. This will allow us to phase out reliance on well water for supply within a couple of years, bolstering water security for both people and agriculture.”
Also on the agenda was the new wastewater treatment plant (EDAR) in La Orotava. Once operational, alongside a future desalination plant and improved pumping systems, it will allow high-quality reclaimed water to be delivered to Cruz Santa’s reservoir and then on to Icod de los Vinos for agricultural use.
Emergency Status Still in Place
Despite the positive outlook, Tenerife remains under a water emergency declaration, initially issued in February and now extended until the end of October 2025. The declaration ensures accelerated administrative processes and prioritisation of critical water projects.
The Island Drought Committee includes representatives from local councils, public utilities, agricultural and business organisations, labour unions, the Canary Islands Government, and the Tenerife Cabildo. Farmer representatives from each of the island's main water regions also contribute to the group’s decisions, alongside managers from Balsas de Tenerife (Balten) and the Island Water Council.
With improved reserves, a proactive infrastructure strategy, and continued rainfall support, Tenerife is heading into the summer with its water supply in a stronger position than it has been for several years.
