Fuerteventura's Water Emergency Ends: A Technical, Not Political, Decision

The data do not justify extending the water emergency, although the Island Council will continue to prioritize actions to further improve the water situation in Fuerteventura. The island has seen water production rise by 66%, from more than 34,000 m³ in 2023 to almost 50,000 m³ in 2025. Energy consumption has dropped dramatically, falling from over €17.7 million to just over €6 million. Purchases of external water have also been sharply reduced. All of this occurs within the framework of measures promoted by the Island Council of Fuerteventura, which has invested more than €60 million in a plan that is now 60 % completed. These figures were presented at Friday’s press conference by island president Lola García, accompanied by Water Councilor Adargoma Hernández and Councilor Marlene Figueroa, in the presence of the managers of the Fuerteventura Water Supply Consortium and the Island Water Council.

“We have moved from 34,000 to almost 50,000 cubic metres of water production on the island of Fuerteventura,” said García.

€60 million in investment and record water production

The emergency declaration, which ended on 1 September, was based on the 2023 diagnosis that highlighted an unsustainable situation: prolonged water cuts, an obsolete transmission network between Puerto del Rosario and La Herradura, insufficient production, deteriorated pipelines, limited reservoirs, high dependence on external water, and annual energy costs approaching €18 million.

Since then, production has increased by 66 %, and storage capacity has risen from 60,046 m³ to 83,960 m³—a 40 % boost thanks to new reservoirs in La Herradura and Guerime and improvements in Tamaragua.

Purchases of water from third parties have fallen sharply: from 893,303 m³ in 2023 to 117,938 m³ in 2025. As García noted, “In July we practically did not buy any water from third parties; the three plants in Puerto del Rosario, Gran Tarajal, and Corralejo already cover the demand.”

Energy expenditure has also plummeted, dropping from €17.74 million to €6 million in 2025—an almost 70 % saving that frees resources for new hydraulic infrastructure.

The €60 million investment has funded emergency works such as the expansion of desalination plants in Puerto del Rosario, Corralejo, and Gran Tarajal; new reservoirs in La Herradura, Tamaragua, and Guerime; key conduits (Puerto‑Herradura, Guerime, La Paré, Calderetilla, Tizcamanita, La Oliva, Tindaya); network renewals in Corralejo, Puerto del Rosario, and Gran Tarajal; and upgrades to pumps and strategic wells. More than 60 % of these actions are already completed, though some key projects remain pending, including the Calderetilla‑Tizcamanita conduit (expected late 2025/early 2026), the Guerime regulating reservoir (delivery anticipated next week), and the Marcos Sánchez pumping station.

Drinking water, agricultural water, and inter‑institutional collaboration

Water Councilor Adargoma Hernández was unequivocal:

“There is no data to justify a further extension or a request for a new water‑emergency declaration. That does not mean the island’s water problems are solved.”

He highlighted the joint effort of the Island Water Council, the Consortium, and the municipalities, noting that “previously we did not coordinate municipal works with the consortium; now we do, and that cooperation has been crucial.”

The island government also emphasized the financial effort and collaboration with other administrations. President García underscored coordination with the regional executive and the central government. The Canary Islands Government is advancing a southern desalination plant, pending site studies, while the State is investing €5 million to introduce an additional 5,000 m³ of irrigation water, separating agricultural from drinking water for the first time—a milestone in Fuerteventura’s water history.

A “dry” summer in the north

Councilor Marlene Figueroa stressed that there is “a before and an after” in the water situation, moving from critical conditions with cuts of up to 20 days to a more stable supply, although 40 % of works still await execution. The summer still saw supply shortages in the north, especially in areas like Villaverde and Majanicho in Lajares, due to two major unfinished projects: the connection of the Corralejo plant to the rest of the island and the separation of shared conduits serving El Cotillo and El Roque. These issues have caused intermittent shortages, largely due to pressure regulation rather than flow capacity.

End of the emergency, but not of the commitment

President García thanked the citizens of Fuerteventura for their patience and effort, noting that “the emergency is over, but the commitment is not. Hydraulic works remain our priority, and we will continue to follow the planned roadmap to ensure the situation does not recur.” She also announced a firm commitment to new technologies for detecting potential water losses.