Irrigation water use in agricultural areas of Valle de Guerra, Tejina and Tacoronte is now restricted by Balsas de Tenerife (Balten) from yesterday until further notice. The aim is to balance water reserves by adjusting the flow in different areas, in order to prevent shortages in the upcoming summer. This is a consequence of the island’s drought, which led to the commencement of the process for an official declaration of a water emergency on March 1, still pending formal approval.
“We need to balance the water inflows and outflows in the reservoirs to prevent rapid depletion,” stated Valentín González, the Primary Sector Councillor of the Cabildo de Tenerife. He added that this situation “could lead to a lack of water storage in these infrastructures (23 on the island) to cope with the upcoming months.” He highlighted that “this is not something new and was done last summer.” Balsas de Tenerife announced on social media yesterday that they were “forced” to implement modulations and temporary restrictions in the mentioned northeast areas.
Despite rainfall at the end of March and the beginning of April, the water situation in Tenerife remains critical. The prolonged extreme drought continues to directly impact the primary sector.
Balsas de Tenerife continues to adjust water flows due to higher-than-normal irrigation demand during winter to combat the unusual heat during that time of the year. This situation is particularly felt in the inland areas.
The measures to be implemented in Valle de Guerra, Tejina and Tacoronte will be carried out, as stated in Balten’s communication, “provided that the water availability in the reservoirs and tanks in the area allows it.” Continuous supply “with suitable flow rates and pressure based on existing demand” is not guaranteed under the aforementioned premise.
Water reserves have reached historic lows, and a solution is being sought in the midst of spring with a focus on the upcoming summer. According to Balsas de Tenerife, the modulation of irrigation water supply covers seven areas, from Monday to Friday this week, in the municipalities of La Laguna, Tacoronte, and El Sauzal.
The initiative started in La Baranda (El Sauzal) yesterday, continuing today in Garimba and Los Álamos, both in Aguere. Tomorrow, it will be the turn of the areas in Tacoronte including Fray Diego, Tagoro, Los Palmeros, Los Vera and Red de Agricultores Tacoronte. On Thursday, it will be in the high zone of El Sauzal and, lastly, on Friday in La Ovejera and El Torreón, also in Tacoronte.
For any queries, affected farmers can contact Balten via email at [email protected] or call 922 23 77 60.
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