Tenerife and Lanzarote extend 'emergency' measures until February 2025

A Canary Islands water emergency warning has been issued for anyone visiting the European Union holiday destination. Lanzarote, Tenerife and more face water shortage risks as we head towards the festive season and Christmas next month.

The Tenerife government has announced the extension of the island's water emergency status until February 28, 2025, following the decision made during the fourth meeting of the Drought Committee held last week.

Rosa Dávila, President of the Tenerife Cabildo, shared the news during a press conference detailing the agreements reached by the Governing Council. She confirmed an additional €3 million allocation for the island's water infrastructure plan, bringing the total investment to €13.5 million.

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“We cannot wait for rain," Dávila explained. "The current water flow is still inadequate and unlikely to improve. The decree ensures we can provide sufficient water for farming." The Cabildo’s actions are part of a broader strategy to combat the persistent drought affecting Tenerife.

The emergency declaration facilitates the acceleration of key infrastructure projects and ensures water availability for the island’s vital agricultural sector. Davila confirmed an additional €3 million allocation for the island's water infrastructure plan, bringing the total investment to €13.5 million, in the Canary Islands hotspots.

The water emergency was first declared on the island after government intervention in March this year, after one of the driest winters on record and the island’s warmest February since 1961. Juan Rumeu, of the Canary Islands Business Association of Environmental Consultants, warned the measures - such as carrying out 34 urgent repairs - are "too late".

Luis Javier González, mayor of Fasnia in Tenerife, also spoke out at the time of the measures and warned: "If we continue to bet on the massive arrival of tourism and the scarcity of water resources is maintained, the situation will be more complex".