Discharges in Tenerife remain a thorn in the side of everyone who cares about the ocean, humanity, and nature.
The long-standing problems with water purification in the south of Tenerife are finally getting a structural solution. Thanks to an investment of no less than 110 million euros, an ambitious project will put an end to the discharges of untreated wastewater in the municipalities of Arona and San Miguel de Abona.
At the heart of this large-scale project is the new Montaña Reverón wastewater treatment plant. The work is already underway and the project is being carried out by Acuaes, a government agency specialized in water management. The works are part of a cooperation agreement between the Cabildo de Tenerife and Acuaes, with support from the Spanish government.
Sustainable Water Use
Central to the project is the construction of the new plant in Montaña Reverón, located in Arona. This treatment plant will have a processing capacity of 24,000 cubic meters of wastewater per day. It will be able to serve more than 230,000 residents of both municipalities. A total of 30 million euros is allocated solely for this facility. The complex will be connected to a network of 66 kilometers of pipes, pumps, and transport infrastructure.
The project aims for more than just water purification. It includes a complete modernization of the sewage system and drainage, whereby water will be reused for agricultural purposes. This way, the project not only complies with European regulations but also contributes to more sustainable water use on the island. In addition, the capacity is being increased to accommodate future population growth and tourism pressure.
End of Discharges in Sight
The new system will also drastically reduce sea discharges. In the past, the region suffered from 15 sanctioning procedures due to illegal discharges into the environment, particularly along the coasts of Arona and San Miguel de Abona. Thanks to this intervention, Tenerife will finally be freed from a pain point that for years has caused annoyance among both residents and tourists. The entire network will serve areas such as El Fraile, Las Galletas, Costa del Silencio, Las Chafiras, Amarilla Golf, and Golf del Sur – all zones of high tourist and economic value.
The investment is divided between the two municipalities: 45.5 million euros goes to Arona, while San Miguel receives 23 million euros. Rosa Dávila emphasized the importance of these works during the visit: “We are witnessing one of the most important infrastructure projects currently being carried out in Tenerife. This historic investment will finally put an end to the serious problem of sewage and water purification in the south.”
Reusable Water
In addition to the Montaña Reverón wastewater treatment plant, the system also includes:
- 30 kilometers of sewer collectors
- 13 kilometers of land-based emission pipelines
- 31.5 kilometers of pressure pipelines
- 9 wastewater pumping stations
- 4 stations for wastewater treatment and pumping
The execution of these works is essential for improving the quality of life in the south of Tenerife. The project will not only lead to a cleaner sea and less pollution, but also to an increase in reusable water for farmers who are increasingly facing drought conditions. As a result, the risk of future water shortages will also be significantly reduced.
Economic Value Added
Furthermore, the initiative benefits tourism, one of the island’s economic drivers. A clean coast and pristine beaches are crucial to Tenerife’s image as a tourist destination. The reputational damage caused by discharges into the sea will hopefully become a thing of the past with these measures. Sustainable tourism thus becomes not just a dream but a feasible reality.
The works are expected to be completed in phases, with the system scheduled to become operational in 2026. By that time, Tenerife should have one of the most modern and sustainable wastewater systems in Spain. In addition to the functional added value, the project also generates economic stimulus: dozens of companies and hundreds of workers are involved in the implementation.
Livable Tenerife
With this ambitious plan, another important step is taken towards a greener and more efficient water policy in the Canary Islands to avoid discharges in Tenerife. A plan that not only addresses the urgent needs of today but also safeguards the island’s future. Moreover, it proves that cooperation between governments, engineers, and citizens can lead to tangible improvements in daily life on Tenerife.
A touch of vision, cooperation, sustainability, decisiveness, hope, innovation, technology, responsibility, care, transparency, ecology, creativity, commitment, future-mindedness, resilience, protection, progress, awareness, involvement, renewal, and harmony color this project and give it a significance that goes far beyond technical figures.
Guy Devos © Photography
Discharges in Tenerife ©
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