Expansion of Desalination Plants on El Hierro Island to Increase Water Supply
SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 30th July (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Minister of Territorial Policy, Territorial Cohesion and Water of the Government of the Canary Islands, Manuel Miranda, has revealed plans to commence work in September to extend the two desalination facilities on the island with an investment of 2.5 million euros. This development will result in a 15% boost in water supply to the El Hierro system by the summer of 2025.
This announcement was made during a visit to the island, where a meeting was held with the president of the Island Council, Alpidio Armas, and the mayors of Valverde, La Frontera, and El Pinar, to discuss ongoing water management projects.
Miranda highlighted the importance of collaboration with the island councils in decisions regarding water management in the region. The president of the Island Corporation expressed gratitude for the visit and praised the announced investments, stating that they will significantly improve water management on the island.
The upgrades at both desalination plants, which are 15 years old, will include making the modules independent at the Los Cangrejos plant to ensure continued water production in case of any future failures. The enhancements will also involve the installation of a new well, intake pump, and membrane replacements to enhance efficiency, with the plant currently producing around 3,000 cubic metres per day.
In La Restinga, production capacity will be increased by 800 cubic metres per day through a new membrane frame, bringing the total output to 3,000 cubic metres, similar to the other desalination plant. These developments are expected to result in reduced energy consumption.
Other Water Improvement Projects
The Canary Islands Government and the Island Council of El Hierro are collaborating on various initiatives to enhance the water cycle on the island. The regional government has allocated approximately 5.5 million euros for these projects. Before the end of the year, several subsidies will be released for the island corporation and the three municipalities. Actions include grants to reduce losses in supply networks, improvements to sewage systems, and the implementation of a remote control system using European Next Generation funds.
The aim of the remote control system is to digitalise the supply service and provide real-time data on the network for better management, reduced losses, and improved efficiency. The project, costing 1.9 million euros, is set to be completed within 15 months, by the first half of 2026.
Additionally, both administrations have agreed on the need to initiate the fourth cycle of hydrological planning work promptly to comply with European regulations and prevent potential complaints.
Emergency Response Vehicle Delivery
As part of the ongoing collaboration with island councils, the Department has provided an emergency command and control vehicle (UMC) to the El Hierro Council. The vehicle, stationed at the Island Operational Coordination Centre (CECOPIN), is equipped with essential tools and communication equipment to aid coordination and management during emergencies.
