The Environmental Protection Agency of the Government of the Canary Islands has imposed two fines of 200 euros each on the Insular Water Council for the discharges at Playa Jardín, one of the main coves in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, which has been closed or under recommendations not to swim due to poor water quality for almost a year.
The Insular Water Council, which is under the Cabildo of Tenerife, has appealed both sanctions, arguing that they are poorly founded. They also believe that they have not violated any of the ten conditions imposed regarding water quality, as reported by Tenerife Ahora.
Puerto de la Cruz announced the reopening of Playa Jardín in mid-June last year, after nearly a year of closure, thanks to a joint effort between the administrations, according to the mayor, Leopoldo Afonso (PP).
The reopening took place following a thorough cleaning of all elements such as manholes and collectors in Punta Brava, the breakage of the outfall of which has caused various periods of contamination so far this year.
The tertiary treatment at the wastewater treatment plant (EDAR) of Valle de La Orotava and Punta Brava, promoted by the Cabildo and the Government of the Canary Islands, has also been key in this entire process.
Since December 2024, Public Health analyses have shown results within legal values, certifying water quality and compliance with the conditions for reopening.
Additionally, the replacement of the underwater outfall of Punta Brava, whose fissure was the main source of discharges, has been initiated, after initially being put out to tender but remaining vacant. This infrastructure is expected to begin execution in May, with an estimated timeframe of 16 months.
