Lanzarote's Water Council has voted to keep emergency measures in place until February 2027, extending the island's water emergency by an additional six months. The decision was made by a majority during a crucial General Board meeting on Friday.
Alongside the extension, officials unanimously approved a €6.4 million (£5.5 million) package for new infrastructure projects aimed at tackling ongoing drought and supply strains. According to the Lanzarote Cabildo, the fresh cash injection is part of a major overhaul to modernise the island's ageing water network and curb severe leaks currently plaguing the supply.
Key infrastructure measures approved
One of the key measures is a major pipeline overhaul, which will see a large-scale replacement of decaying pipes. In addition, a €965,000 (£830,000) scheme will be launched to upgrade urban rainwater drainage in the Argana district, along with comprehensive cleaning and maintenance across several key ravines in Haría and island-wide river channel improvements, according to Canarian Weekly.
Long-term water strategy
Looking further ahead, council members unanimously backed the Key Issues Document for Lanzarote's Hydrological Plan, setting out the water strategy through 2033.
Lanzarote has been battered by recurring water supply disruptions in recent years, pushed to the brink by booming population growth and high demand during peak tourist seasons. Officials hope extending the emergency status will slice through bureaucracy, giving authorities the time and powers needed to complete vital upgrades and safeguard the island's water supply for residents and holidaymakers alike.
