The groundwater levels in La Laguna have decreased by four metres over the past year, as stated yesterday by Teidagua, a joint provider of water services in the municipality. The data was recorded by the Dinapsis Center from the Silverio Alonso test well. From February 2023 to the same month this year, the subsoil water in Vega Lagunera has shifted from a depth of two metres to six metres, marking the lowest level recorded in the past two years. This decline reflects the impact of the ongoing drought on the region’s water resources.
Teidagua’s manager, Félix Armas, highlighted how the lack of rain has led to decreased groundwater recharge, resulting in the drying out of La Laguna’s subsoil. This water, enriched with soil nutrients, is not suitable for consumption but finds its use in street cleaning, parks, gardens, and some agricultural practices.
The drop in the water table has various consequences, with agriculture being the most affected sector. The arid conditions have also contributed to incidents like sinkholes forming due to clay drying out and cracking in certain areas. The rise in temperature further exacerbates the situation, impacting rural communities who rely heavily on manual irrigation for their crops.
As the population grows and the winter remains unusually dry and warm, water consumption in La Laguna has surged compared to previous years. The Vega Lagunera region, encompassing fertile lands from Los Rodeos airport to several adjacent areas, faces significant challenges due to the ongoing water shortage.
Anticipating Summer
Looking ahead to the upcoming summer season, Teidagua refrains from confirming the likelihood of water restrictions. The increased water demand during summer months coupled with the existing scarcity raises concerns about potential limitations on water usage. The water crisis declaration on the island underscores the severity of the situation, although uncertainties persist about the weather patterns.
In La Laguna, efforts are underway to mitigate the impact of the drought and prevent stringent restrictions. Despite implementing measures like connecting additional water sources and enhancing pumping systems, assuring uninterrupted water supply remains a challenge.
The drought has cast a shadow over the entire island, prompting the Cabildo to declare a state of water emergency to support Tenerife’s agricultural sector. Some municipalities have already initiated water usage restrictions in preparation for the challenging summer ahead.
