Lanzarote has extended its water emergency until February 2027 as officials race to fix crumbling infrastructure and secure the holiday hotspot’s future. The island’s Water Council voted by a majority during a crucial General Board meeting on Friday to keep emergency measures in place for an additional six months.
To tackle the ongoing drought and supply strains, officials also unanimously greenlit a massive €6.4million (£5.5million) package for new infrastructure projects. 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 the severe leaks currently plaguing the supply. Key measures approved include a major pipeline overhaul, which will see a large-scale replacement of decaying pipes.
Meanwhile, a €965,000 (£830,000) scheme will be launched to upgrade urban rainwater drainage in the Argana district and comprehensive cleaning and maintenance across several key ravines in Haría and island-wide river channel improvements, according to Canarian Weekly.
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.