Fuerteventura No Longer in Water Emergency
Fuerteventura is no longer under a situation of water emergency. This was announced today by the Cabildo of Fuerteventura and the Insular Water Council during a media briefing led by the Island President, Lola García, the Water Councillor, Adargoma Hernández, and the managers of CIAF, Domingo Montañez, and CAAF, Francisco Javier Hormiga. They confirmed that Fuerteventura has been free from the water emergency since 2nd September, following years of effort and investment. Other councillors from the Insular Corporation were also present.
The island had endured an unsustainable situation, marked by prolonged water cuts, insufficient production, deteriorated networks, and limited storage. This necessitated the declaration of a water emergency for the first time in 2020. In response, the Cabildo of Fuerteventura, alongside the Department of Infrastructure, CAAF, and the Insular Water Council, developed a strategy of works and investments that has significantly improved the situation since 2023. These measures have allowed for the production and storage of more water than ever before in Fuerteventura’s history, thanks to the coordinated efforts of personnel from the Cabildo, CAAF, CIAF, and local councils.
As a result, following the analysis of technical reports from CAAF, the Insular Water Council has proposed not to extend the water emergency in Fuerteventura.
Of the planned emergency works, “over 60% have been completed, with the rest anticipated to be finished by 2026,” explained Island President Lola García, who highlighted the historic investment of over 60 million euros to make this possible.
This effort has also resulted in a reduction of more than 80% in water cuts across the island. “However, we will not be satisfied until the situation has been definitively improved,” García emphasised.
Water Councillor Adargoma Hernández noted significant progress, such as the expansion of the desalination plants in Puerto del Rosario, Corralejo, and Gran Tarajal, which have enabled a record daily production of nearly 50,000 cubic metres, representing a 66% increase compared to 2023.
Additionally, new, modern storage facilities have been constructed in La Herradura, Tamaragua, and Guerime, allowing for a 40% increase in storage capacity.
Distribution has improved with the renovation of networks in Corralejo, Puerto del Rosario, Gran Tarajal, and various locations across the island, leading to a significant reduction in leaks. Furthermore, strategic conduits connecting key storage sites on the island have been completed. The purchase of water from third parties has decreased by 90%, and the energy consumption of CAAF has been reduced by 70%.
All these initiatives are helping to create a more efficient hydraulic system capable of responding to unforeseen circumstances. It is an ongoing effort: “The emergency has ended, but our commitment has not. Water infrastructure remains our priority. We will continue to follow the planned roadmap to execute necessary actions, ensuring that this situation does not recur in Fuerteventura,” explained Lola García. The Cabildo of Fuerteventura also expresses gratitude for the efforts and patience of the public regarding the inconveniences caused by the ongoing works and those yet to be completed, as well as the collaboration from local councils and the Government of the Canary Islands.
