March 9th 2024.
The beautiful Canary Island has recently been facing a major issue - water shortage. As a popular destination for UK travellers, Tenerife has been hit hard by this crisis. The Tenerife Island Water Council has declared an emergency due to a drought affecting the holiday hotspot and the government has stepped in to reduce unnecessary water consumption. This comes after the island experienced its hottest February since 1961 and was also devastated by wildfires last year. Despite these challenges, the number of visitors to the island continues to grow, with some officials pointing fingers at tourists for the current situation.
In fact, it was discovered that one hotel was using a shocking 400 litres of water per guest each day, which is four times more than what a local resident would use. With less than a million residents on the island and 5.6 million visitors last year alone, experts are concerned about the ongoing pressure on services and the potential for a "systemic collapse". In response, the Fasnia town council has implemented strict restrictions, such as banning the use of drinking water for non-essential tasks like watering farms and gardens, filling swimming pools, and even washing cars. They have also diverted water from the tourist-heavy south to other areas of the island, causing some inconvenience for tourists, such as not being able to take beach showers.
This water crisis has shed light on the issue of overtourism in Tenerife. Mayor Luis Javier Gonzalez expressed concerns that if the island continues to prioritize mass tourism, the situation could become even more complex. In light of this, public information campaigns will be launched to educate both tourists and residents on responsible water usage. This issue has also sparked backlash from locals, with graffiti appearing on walls urging tourists to "go home" and highlighting the disparity between their salaries and the cost of living in the Canary Islands.
Last month, social and environmental groups took to the streets to protest against the negative effects of overtourism on the island. They held signs saying "the Canaries are no longer a paradise" and "the Canaries are not for sale". A protester even stated that the island community is on the brink of "completely collapsing". A recent report also highlighted the consequences of an uncontrolled increase in the non-resident population, including the degradation of natural ecosystems due to waste generation and resource exploitation.
So, if you have a trip planned to Tenerife in the near future, please keep this in mind. It is important for all of us to be responsible travellers, but in this situation, conserving water and respecting the local landscape is crucial. Have you experienced this water shortage in Tenerife or do you have a story to share? We would love to hear from you. Get in touch by emailing us at [email address]. Let's all work together to make a positive impact on the beautiful Canary Island.
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