Canary Islands Government Invests Over €60 Million in Water Projects
The Canary Islands Government is currently overseeing around 20 water projects across the archipelago, with a budget exceeding €60 million. This update was revealed during the 26th Permanent Water Commission meeting held this morning, involving the regional government and representatives from the seven island water councils.
Manuel Miranda, the Territorial Policy, Territorial Cohesion, and Water Minister, thanked the councils for their efforts over the past three years to tackle the water crisis this year. He mentioned that there has been no word from the national government regarding funding for projects scheduled for 2026.
The meeting took place at the Gran Canaria Water Council’s headquarters, where president Miguel Hidalgo praised the island’s high level of cooperation between the regional government and the councils. He described the current water situation on Gran Canaria as “calm” due to stored water and the island’s generation capacity. Hidalgo stressed the need for meticulous management and efficiency in water production to prepare for potential droughts in the future.
In addition to council leaders, the meeting included technical staff from the General Water Directorate, led by José García Leal, and Deputy Minister Marcos Lorenzo.
The agenda covered the status of the seven hydrological plans and their respective flood risk management plans. Miranda noted that delays in the previous cycle nearly resulted in a fine from the European Union, which was averted through coordinated efforts by the councils and the regional government.
Strategic Projects
Miranda highlighted the strategic nature of the water projects funded directly by the Canary Islands Government, aimed at enhancing regional cohesion. Key initiatives include water supply and sanitation in La Graciosa, desalination plant expansions in El Hierro, and improvements to wastewater treatment facilities across several islands.
The government budget not only covers these direct projects but also includes funding to subsidise councils’ initiatives. Additionally, it manages funds from the national government and the European Union.
Miranda informed the councils that the national government has yet to process an annual €20 million grant for hydraulic works, which will support eight projects this year. He plans to meet with officials from the Ministry for Ecological Transition in September to address this and other pending matters.
Technical staff from the General Water Directorate also presented various services and guides available to the councils, aimed at enhancing energy efficiency in the water cycle and integrating renewable energy.
Finally, the government expressed its intention to request that the European Union adapt new water management regulations to the unique challenges faced by the islands, such as territorial fragmentation, geographic isolation, and the annual influx of nearly 20 million tourists.
