Last May 22nd, the prosecutor Laura Matas González filed a complaint against the public company Balsas de Tenerife (Balten) regarding the alleged supply of water, regenerated and unsuitable for consumption or sanitation, to residents of the “illegal” urbanizations constructed approximately 12 years ago in the Lomo Negro area, north of El Fraile neighbourhood, in Arona, southern Tenerife.
The allegations were made by former island councilor María José Belda and Sí Podemos councilor Arona, claiming that residents were endangered due to the use of water intended solely for agricultural purposes or golf courses, not for personal consumption or hygiene. Consequently, Balten was accused of potentially violating environmental laws and endangering natural resources in an area already plagued by irregularities stemming from the construction of at least 400 homes on rural land, breaching legal provisions.
Nevertheless, a recently disclosed letter dated November 21, stated that “there is no proof that the water was illegitimately used by the residential properties in the area, and therefore, no unlawful activity can be attributed to Balten.” The company visibly indicated that the water supplied is regenerated and non-potable, strictly for irrigation, not for human consumption.
However, despite this decision, Aliotti believes that there are substantial indications that such activity took place. He underscores the illegal constructions on rural land that have disrupted environmental and ecological balances. While acknowledging families’ housing struggles, he stresses the authorities’ failure to regulate construction in the region, leading to legal action being taken against 400 families, investors, and developers for territorial planning violations.
Additionally, Fernando Ucha, a consultant and representative of fifteen affected individuals, asserted in a recent interview with Canarias Ahora that many self-built home residents managed to connect to the municipal water network legally by purchasing a meter and fulfilling other municipal obligations.
Following the complaint surfacing in 2023, Balten was questioned about the alleged water supply for irrigation. The company responded by confirming that no unauthorized connections were found in their inspections. Emphasising that their water contracts are solely for irrigation purposes, they highlighted that users sign declarations specifying the crops grown and the areas irrigated. They stated that if water ends up being used for other purposes, it is beyond their knowledge.
