One of the primary hydraulic projects aimed at mitigating the persistent drought in the southern region of Tenerife has been deemed crucial, especially since the island has faced a water crisis since May of the previous year. Experts assess the newly established desalination plant at the Güímar Valley Industrial Estate as a significant advancement, as it amplifies water production for both industrial operations and local farmers by threefold. During a site visit, the president of the Council, Rosa Dávila, along with the mayor, Gustavo Pérez, underscored the significance of this initiative, which facilitates a supply of 2,800 cubic metres of water per day. The Minister of Natural Environment and Sustainability, Blanca Pérez, joined them and expressed gratitude for their efforts in bringing the project to fruition as part of the Insular Water Council’s operations, a body linked to the insular corporation.
Investment
With an investment totalling 2.4 million euros, the Cabildo de Tenerife and the Güímar City Council are introducing an infrastructure officially recognised as the Seawater Desalination Station (EDAM), the execution of which has been expedited due to the emergency declaration. Together with Dávila and Pérez, municipal technicians and the Island Water Council of Tenerife (CIATF) have been involved in this endeavour.
Agreement
Moreover, the Cabildo and the Consistory have entered into an agreement mandating a contribution of 5.4 million euros from the CIATF, supplemented by 1.4 million from the Cabildo’s own resources and 366,750 euros from the local city council. This initiative outlines and evaluates the necessary works to implement the Wastewater Pumping Station (EBAR) at the existing site of the Los Tarajales sewage treatment facilities, situated adjacent to the Puertito de Güímar Yacht Club, along with the essential pipeline required to convey the flows to the Valle de Güímar district.
This resource will enable us to release water from wells to support the primary sector in a vital region.
Rosa Davila
— President of the Cabildo of Tenerife
Aim
The goal is for the Los Tarajales EBAR to serve the core of the Puertito de Güímar and potentially extend service to the adjacent areas along the Agache coastline: La Caleta, Punta Prieta, Chimaje, and El Tablado in the future. Additionally, the project includes a pipeline parallel to the sewage discharge system to transport desalinated water from the Industrial Estate to the Puertito reservoirs. This action will facilitate the release of water from the Chiguengue well, benefiting both the local population and the primary sector.
Security
Rosa Dávila remarked, “We are dedicated to ensuring water security for the island. This emergency initiative, following the declaration, will allow us to release water from wells, thereby ensuring that the primary sector has sufficient resources in this area, which is essential for agriculture.”
Glad
Gustavo Pérez noted that this project enables “the Güímar Valley to access much more water. This crucial boost will benefit both urban consumption and agriculture. It is indeed a reason to celebrate.”
Ambition
Blanca Pérez elaborated, stating, “It is planned that not only will water be supplied from this location, but also Candelaria and Güímar will have the capacity to connect supplies to the lower areas” of Villa Mariana and Puertito. She concluded, “Releasing the Chigengue well will enhance water supply to the upper area and the agricultural sector.”
