Fuerteventura’s water emergency officially ends
In a significant milestone for the island, the Fuerteventura Council (Cabildo) has decided not to request another extension of the water emergency, which was first declared in 2023. This decision comes after the island successfully reduced water supply cuts by a remarkable 80% and increased its daily water production by 66% over the past two years.
From unsustainable crisis to historic investment
The water emergency was initially declared in 2020 and was extended just one year ago. At that time, the council described the situation as “unsustainable,” citing prolonged water cuts, insufficient production, deteriorated networks, and limited reservoir capacity. To combat this, the Fuerteventura government, through the Ministry of Infrastructure, CAAF (the public water company), and the Island Water Council, planned a comprehensive strategy of works and investments that has “significantly” improved the situation since 2023.
Major infrastructure achievements
Island President Lola García announced that over 60% of the planned emergency works have already been completed, with the remainder expected to be finished by 2026. She highlighted the “historic investment of over €60 million” that made this progress possible. Following an analysis of technical reports from CAAF, the Island Water Council proposed ending the state of emergency.
President García stated that while they have managed to reduce water cuts across the island by more than 80%, “we will not be satisfied until we improve the situation definitively.” The councilor for Water, Adargoma Hernández, detailed these “major advances,” which include the expansion of desalination plants in Puerto del Rosario, Corralejo, and Gran Tarajal.
Record production and modern storage
These crucial upgrades have enabled the island to achieve a record production of nearly 50,000 cubic meters per day—a massive 66% increase compared to 2023 output. Furthermore, new, more modern reservoirs have been constructed in La Herradura, Tamaragua, and Guerime, increasing overall water storage capacity by 40%.
A more efficient water network
Distribution has also seen major improvements. The renovation of piping networks in Corralejo, Puerto del Rosario, Gran Tarajal, and various other towns across the island has led to a significant reduction in leaks. Strategic pipelines connecting key reservoirs have also been completed, creating a more integrated and resilient system.
Additional benefits include a 90% reduction in the need to purchase water from third parties and a 70% decrease in the CAAF’s energy expenditure. The council emphasized that all these actions have resulted in “a more efficient hydraulic system with the capacity to respond to unforeseen events.”
A continued commitment to water security
Concluding the announcement, President García reaffirmed the council’s commitment: “Hydraulic works remain our priority. We will continue with the planned roadmap to execute the necessary actions so that this situation does not happen again in Fuerteventura.” This marks a new chapter of water security for residents and the future of tourism on the island.
