It’s one of those bits of local news that doesn’t grab headlines, but actually matters a great deal, especially if you grow anything on this island.
This December, Tenerife’s agricultural reservoirs (the balsas you see dotted around the landscape) have reached 34% of their total capacity. It might not sound like much, but it’s a noticeable improvement, up 7.5% from last month, and it means farmers can rely on a stable supply of irrigation water as we move into the new year.
A Small but Important Recovery
According to the Cabildo, the total volume stored right now sits at 1.7 million cubic metres, which is a jump of over 373,000 cubic metres in just a month. Even better, we’re nearly 200,000 cubic metres ahead compared to the same period last year.
It’s got to be said, when you live on an island that depends so heavily on what we can store, treat, or desalinate, numbers like these are reassuring.
Valentín González, the island’s Councillor for the Primary Sector, said the improvement is linked to the measures taken during the recent water emergency. There’s been a big push on increasing desalination and upgrading distribution networks across the island.
Not the most glamorous work, but absolutely essential.
North Up, South Down (And There’s a Reason)
Interestingly, the biggest gains have been recorded in the north, where the annual storage levels are now 700,000+ cubic metres higher than in December 2024. That’s a big step in the right direction.
The south, however, tells a different story.
BALTEN, the body managing water storage and distribution, has seen a drop in the southern reservoirs. But that’s mainly because the Valle San Lorenzo regenerated-water reservoir is currently undergoing prep work for a major overhaul of its geomembrane lining. While those repairs are underway, its storage capacity is naturally limited.
Sometimes progress looks like a step backwards … at least on paper.
What Happens Next?
Despite the temporary dip in the south, the Cabildo’s message is positive. González expects reservoir levels to keep rising steadily through winter and into spring, helping to rebuild the island’s reserves after a tough spell.
If you live here, you’ll know how important this is. Between the microclimates, the tourism demand, and the ongoing push for more sustainable agriculture, Tenerife’s water management is always a balancing act.
But for now, there’s some breathing room, and that’s something worth noting.
