Contamination Alert at Playa Jardín: PSOE Calls for Transparency
SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 23 July – The Tenerife PSOE has reported a microbiological contamination incident at Playa Jardín in Puerto de la Cruz, which occurred between 22 and 24 June. This incident prompted a temporary bathing ban, yet the beach remained open and the public was not informed, coinciding with the San Juan celebrations that drew large crowds, according to party officials.
Tamara Raya, the PSOE’s general secretary in Tenerife, announced plans for an extraordinary council meeting in August to demand an explanation from Cabildo President Rosa Dávila regarding urgent actions promised over a year ago, which have yet to begin, and how she intends to address the recent contamination.
“This political step is crucial. Rosa Dávila must explain why urgent works remain unstarted after more than a year,” said Raya. She also pointed out that while the Cabildo announced plans to rehabilitate the underwater collector at Punta Brava in March 2025, no work had commenced by June 2026.
Raya highlighted ongoing issues with the wastewater treatment station and repairs needed for the collector, stating, “A contamination incident occurred just twenty days after urgent works were announced, indicating a deeper political problem. The Cabildo’s credibility in managing sewage and water treatment is gone.”
While the PSOE does not directly attribute the contamination to the collector without a technical report, they demand a full investigation into the cause.
Criticising the government’s reliance on promises without concrete timelines or results, Raya added, “Propaganda won’t purify water. Tenerife needs completed infrastructure and functioning sanitation systems.”
Marco González, the PSOE’s spokesperson in Puerto de la Cruz, noted the National Bathing Water Quality Information System recorded the contamination, indicating a temporary bathing ban.
He called for transparency, insisting on the need for thorough documentation before assigning blame. The PSOE has submitted two information requests to the local government and the public health authorities to clarify the incident and the decisions made regarding the beach.
González pointed out discrepancies in the reported data, emphasising the lack of closure orders and communication from the municipal authorities during the contamination period. He also raised concerns about the risk of future contamination if necessary structural upgrades are not undertaken.
The PSOE also seeks clarification on the potential intensive use of hypochlorite in water treatment and its safety implications for both the public and the environment. They insist that the relevant authorities provide technical assurances regarding any treatments employed.
