The Cabildo of Tenerife and the Government of the Canary Islands have removed obstacles for the development of the new Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant for the La Orotava Valley (Phase I) and the rehabilitation of the underwater outfall in order to resolve water treatment issues in the municipalities of La Orotava, Puerto de la Cruz, Los Realejos, and Santa Úrsula.
Consequently, the Tenerife Island Water Council now possesses the necessary authorisations from the General Directorate of Coasts and Maritime Space Management of the Government of the Canary Islands, enabling the works to be put out to tender for subsequent execution.
The island councillor for Natural Environment, Sustainability, and Security and Emergencies, Blanca Pérez, anticipates that the contracts may be awarded urgently, with a projected signing date in mid-2025 to initiate the works at that time.
Once awarded, the execution period for the project will be 24 months, while the construction of the new outfall is expected to take 16 months post-awarding. However, this timeline may vary based on the sea conditions in that area of the Island. The rehabilitation costs are estimated at €2.7 million.
The island councillor notes that the requests for constructing the new WWTP “have been sought by the Island Water Council since April 2023, and it has finally been possible to progress with its administrative procedures.”
The proposed actions enable the implementation of a preliminary phase of secondary treatment for a portion of the wastewater, facilitating the processing of 10,000 cubic metres per day, with plans to double this capacity in a subsequent phase of the project. Additionally, the facility will transition into a Water Regeneration Station (ERA) through the demolition of existing structures and the integration of a tertiary desalination treatment via reversible electrodialysis (EDR), which will allow for the distribution of treated water for agricultural use.
With respect to the Punta Brava outfall, the initiative involves replacing a 240-metre section constructed of GRP (glass-reinforced polyester) where a break is located, with a new section made of HDPE (high-density polyethylene). This upgrade will enhance the current discharge arrangement. Furthermore, the project includes the replacement of covers and the securing of new ballast blocks for the diffuser area, considering the condition of the existing ones.
