Arico becomes the second municipality in Tenerife to implement restrictions in the water supply network due to the severe drought affecting the island, leading the Cabildo to declare a state of emergency this Friday.
Olivia Delgado, the mayor of Arico, issues a decree prohibiting residents from using potable water for irrigation, as well as filling pools, ponds, tanks and reservoirs with drinking water.
It also forbids washing vehicles, except at gas stations – whose systems allow for more efficient water usage – cleaning facades, and the utilisation of public beach showers.
View of the Arico coastline. / E.D.
The decree explains that the scarcity of water resources has been exacerbated by the abnormal weather conditions in the Canary Islands over the past few months, leading to increased water consumption, both for drinking and irrigation, by the population, and a reduced water storage capacity.
The mayor of Arico, from the PSOE party, describes the situation as “very serious” and expresses her concern especially looking towards the summer. “The water levels in the reservoirs at this time of year should be around 72% occupied but currently stand at just 39%,” the decree from Arico highlights.
“Therefore, in order to ensure the supply of drinking water to all users, a rational use of water is requested, as well as strict conservation measures to achieve a more responsible and efficient consumption,” requests Olivia Delgado.
The mayor of Arico describes the situation as “very serious” and expresses concern especially looking towards the summer
[–>
On February 28, the neighbouring town of Fasnia also implemented similar measures due to the drought caused by one of the warmest and driest winters on record. This was done through a decree by the mayor, also a member of the Socialist party, Luis Javier González.
This Friday, the Tenerife Island Council approved in an extraordinary session, unanimously and institutionally, with the support of all political groups, the official declaration of emergency due to the drought across the entire island.
The decree seemed to act as a plea, as while it was being debated within the Council’s headquarters, there was a brief but much-needed morning downpour outside. The declaration includes a total of 34 actions with varying degrees of urgency across the island.
This latest decree from Arico was issued this Saturday, a day when there was also some light rainfall in different parts of the island, mainly in the morning.
