The Water Crisis in Tenerife: A Warning to Tourists

The picturesque Spanish island of Tenerife is currently grappling with a severe water shortage, which has prompted the declaration of a state of emergency. This development serves as a cautionary announcement for individuals intending to visit the renowned tourist destination, as the situation is projected to exacerbate in the near future.

The Tenerife Island Water Council has officially declared the emergency in response to the devastating drought afflicting the region. The government has taken action to implement measures aimed at curbing unnecessary water usage on the island. Immediate efforts are underway, accompanied by a campaign to advocate for water conservation among both residents and visitors.

The announcement of the water crisis comes on the heels of Tenerife experiencing its hottest February since 1961, as reported by the Liverpool Echo. Local politicians have attributed the water scarcity to the considerable surge in tourism, with reports of a luxury hotel consuming up to 400 litres of water per guest per day – a significant difference from the average usage by a local resident.

The Canary Islands, which greeted over 14 million tourists last year, have witnessed a notable rise in visitor numbers. Tenerife alone hosted 5.6 million tourists, despite having a local population of under one million. With the escalating tourism figures, concerns have been voiced by Juan Rumeu from the Canary Islands Business Association of Environmental Consultants, who cautioned that the situation could deteriorate due to the island’s burgeoning population and tourism.

Luis Javier Gonzalez, the mayor of Fasnia in Tenerife, issued a stern warning, stating that “the situation will be more complex if we continue to rely on the massive influx of tourism and the scarcity of water resources persists.” Consequently, Fasnia’s Town Council has enforced restrictions in response to the water shortage, including a prohibition on using drinking water for non-essential purposes such as watering farms and gardens, filling swimming pools, or washing vehicles and house fronts.

Furthermore, Gonzalez highlighted the unequal allocation of water, noting that “water is being diverted to the south due to higher consumption there as a result of tourism.” Earlier this month, the Cabildo of Tenerife, the island’s governing body, declared a water crisis, facilitating the implementation of necessary measures to address the prolonged drought in the central regions.

According to experts cited by the Express, the surge in tourists has placed considerable strain on the Canary Islands and its infrastructure, sparking concerns about a potential “systemic collapse” if tourism figures are not effectively managed.

In light of these developments, it is imperative for both residents and tourists to be mindful of their water usage and to champion conservation initiatives on the island. The impact of tourism on environmental resources serves as a timely reminder of the imperative need for sustainable and responsible travel practices to safeguard the long-term welfare of popular destinations such as Tenerife.