Water Emergency Ends as Record 50,000 m³/h Production Achieved

The Cabildo of Fuerteventura and the Island Water Council confirmed on 5 September 2025 that the water emergency declared in 2020 is officially over. After investing more than €60 million, water production has risen by 66 %, over 60 % of the distribution network has been renewed, and purchases from third‑party suppliers have dropped by 90 %. The island authority warned, however, that key works will continue until 2026 to cement the system’s stability.

Fuerteventura therefore leaves behind the water‑emergency situation that has persisted since 2020.

Historic Works and Investments

• Investment exceeds €60 million.
• More than 60 % of emergency works have been completed, including:
  • Expansion of the desalination plants in Puerto del Rosario, Corralejo, and Gran Tarajal.
  • Construction of new storage reservoirs at La Herradura, Tamaragua, and Guerime.

“Never before has Fuerteventura produced so much water—almost 50,000 m³, a 66 % increase. Over 60 % of the works are planned and finished, storage capacity is up 40 %, and external water purchases have fallen 90 %.”
— Lola García, Island President

“Hydraulic works remain our priority. The emergency is over, but we will continue with the planned roadmap so the situation never recurs in Fuerteventura.”
— Lola García, Island President, Cabildo of Fuerteventura

Water‑Stability Yet Pending Challenges

The island corporation highlighted that water cuts have been reduced by more than 80 % across the territory and that the CAAF’s energy consumption has dropped 70 %. Nevertheless, the work is not finished.

“This gives us a breath of fresh air because it shows that, by working and taking the right measures, we can emerge from a water‑stress situation never before experienced on the island.”
— Adargoma Hernández, Water Counselor

The announcement was made at a press conference chaired by President Lola García, Water Counselor Adargoma Hernández, CIAF manager Domingo Montañez, and CAAF manager Francisco Javier Hormiga, who confirmed that the emergency had ended on 2 September after years of effort and investment. Other island counselors were also present.

Fuerteventura Leaves Behind “An Unsustainable Situation”

Since 2020, the island endured prolonged water cuts, insufficient production, deteriorated networks, and limited storage—conditions that forced the declaration of a water emergency. In response, the Cabildo, through the Department of Infrastructure, the CAAF, and the Island Water Council, devised a strategy of works and investments that has markedly improved the situation since 2023.

A statement from the institution noted that coordinated efforts by Cabildo staff, CAAF, CIAF, and municipal authorities now enable the production and storage of more water than ever in Fuerteventura’s history.

“More than 60 % of the emergency works have been completed, and we expect to finish the remainder by 2026,” explained President Lola García, emphasizing the historic €60 million investment that made it possible.

80 % Reduction in Water Cuts

The comprehensive effort has also cut water interruptions by over 80 % island‑wide, although officials stress they will not be satisfied until the situation is definitively resolved.

“We will not be satisfied until the situation improves definitively,” said García.

Water Counselor Adargoma Hernández highlighted the major advances: the expansion of the desalination plants in Puerto del Rosario, Corralejo, and Gran Tarajal now yields a record ≈ 50,000 m³ per day, a 66 % increase over 2023 production.

New reservoir of the Water Consortium (CAAF) in La Herradura.

New Reservoirs and Networks

• Modern reservoirs built at La Herradura, Tamaragua, and Guerime, boosting storage capacity by 40 %.
• Network renewal in Corralejo, Puerto del Rosario, Gran Tarajal, and numerous other localities, dramatically reducing leaks.
• Strategic pipelines now connect key reservoirs across the island.
• Purchases from third‑party suppliers have fallen 90 %.
• CAAF’s energy consumption has been cut by 70 %.

These measures have created a more efficient hydraulic system capable of responding to unforeseen events.

“The emergency is over, but the commitment is not. Hydraulic works remain our priority. We will continue with the planned roadmap to execute the necessary actions so the situation never repeats in Fuerteventura.”
— Lola García

The Cabildo thanked citizens for their patience amid the disruptions caused by the works, and expressed gratitude to the municipalities and the Government of the Canary Islands for their collaboration.