The Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council has established a new drinking water distribution point on El Mollero street, situated in Llano del Moro following the discovery of elevated fluoride levels in the water supply originating from the northern part of the island, via the Los Dornajos-Baldíos Transfer Canal, which serves the localities of La Gallega, El Sobradillo and Llano del Moro.
It is important to mention that the limitation on water usage, advised by the General Directorate of Public Health of the Canary Islands, specifically targets children under the age of eight, without impacting adults. The high fluoride levels have been linked to the ongoing drought affecting the Island. This situation has arisen due to decreased supply flows from the Araya and Río Portezuelo canals, alongside a deterioration in the water quality from the Los Dornajos-Baldíos Transfer Canal, attributed to the influx of high-fluoride water from the Vergara Gallery.
The mayor of Santa Cruz, José Manuel Bermúdez, states that the City Council, in collaboration with Emmasa, is implementing a protocol to ensure the safety of residents in light of the temporary restrictions. “We are fully committed to the residents of the Southwest district and will continue conducting tests to assess the water quality provided while implementing measures to improve the situation for those impacted,” he assures. The mayor added that “the ongoing work to supply desalinated water to the Southeast represents the quickest and most effective solution, and we have focused our efforts here.”
The Councillor for Public Services, Carlos Tarife, reveals that fluoride levels detected range from 1.7 to 2.1 milligrams per litre, exceeding the recommended 1.5 mg/l. “We are progressing steadily with the Ofra-El Chorrillo supply channel project, which is vital for the municipality, providing a lasting resolution to this issue affecting around 19,000 residents. This will allow water from the desalination plant to be directed to the southwest area of Santa Cruz, thus lessening reliance on the water from the Los Dornajos-Baldíos Transfer Canal. Completion of this project is expected by February next year,” he explains.
The councillor elaborates that “we are also advancing the expansion project for the Santa Cruz desalination plant, increasing production capacity from 30,000 to 48,000 cubic metres of water per day. Therefore, it is crucial that we collaborate closely with the Insular Water Council, Cabildo de Tenerife, and the Government of the Canary Islands regarding financing.”
District Councillor Javier Rivero indicates that “the establishment of the distribution point in Llano del Moro complements the two other distribution points set up outside the water tanks at La Jurada (C/ El Bicácaro) and El Sobradillo (C/ Baile del Vivo) since Monday, October 21. These distribution points are operational from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday to Sunday.”
The affected residents can report any issues to Emmasa’s customer service by calling 900 84 84 83 or 922 23 01 24.
