Canary Islands Government approves €15.6 million for Puerto del Rosario wastewater treatment plant
“A fundamental project to end the water emergency declared in Fuerteventura.”
The regional government has given the green light to a key initiative aimed at resolving the water emergency on the island. The project, now updated to a total investment of €15.6 million, will double the capacity of the Puerto del Rosario wastewater treatment plant.
According to spokesperson Alfonso Cabello, the tender is scheduled for the first half of May, with construction set to span the next three years. The upgrade will secure water supply for the island, meeting current demand and projected growth.
- Current capacity: 3,000 m³ of wastewater treated daily.
- Future capacity after upgrade: 6,000 m³ per day, after extensive modernization of plant systems.
The enhancement will enable the plant to handle intense rainfall events and ensure compliance with existing regulations on wastewater treatment, discharge, and reuse.
Funding and Timeline
The project incorporates several improvements, pushing the total cost beyond the initial €15.6 million estimate, with completion targeted for 2029. The Ministry of Territorial Policy, Cohesion and Water expects the tender to be launched in early May. Planned allocations are:
- 2026: €500,000
- 2027: €6.5 million
- 2028: €7.1 million
- 2029: €1.4 million
Technical Upgrades
- Introduction of advanced biological treatment processes that improve effluent quality and provide stability during flow variations.
- Optimized removal of solids and sand.
- Construction of new facilities for more efficient sludge dewatering, reducing the volume of waste generated.
Environmental and Agricultural Benefits
The treated water will be of higher quality, making it suitable for irrigation in the primary sector and for watering green areas, as noted by the ministry. The project also aims to:
- Reduce discharges into the sea.
- Enhance treatment of any unavoidable discharges.
- Strengthen the environmental integration of the facility, located in the Risco Prieto industrial zone.