Exploring the Territorial Information System of the Canary Islands: Wastewater Discharge Census in Fuerteventura

The Canary Islands, known for their stunning landscapes and biodiversity, face challenges related to environmental management. Among these is the management of wastewater discharges, especially those flowing from land into the sea. The Territorial Information System of the Canary Islands recently updated its Census of Land-to-Sea Discharges, and the findings for Fuerteventura, reported in June this year, highlight 40 points of discharge across the island.

Types of Wastewater Discharges

Among the various types of discharges, urban wastewater reigns supreme. In fact, it constitutes half of all recorded discharges, signifying a pressing concern for urban planning and public health. Almost a third of the remaining discharges come from brine released by desalination plants, a process crucial for the water supply in the Canary Islands but fraught with environmental implications. The rest of the discharges, though a minor fraction, include those from cooling systems and swimming pools, underscoring the diverse sources of wastewater affecting Fuerteventura’s marine ecosystems.

Discharge Status and Authorization

A striking revelation is that approximately three out of four discharges listed in the census remain active. However, when it comes to their legal status, the picture is more complex. Nearly half of these discharge points lack proper authorization. Among the remaining discharges, about half are operating with official permits, while the other half are still navigating the lengthy authorization process—which is particularly true for many discharges in Puerto del Rosario, the island’s capital.

Understanding Wastewater Infrastructure

The census categorizes discharges into submarine outfalls, drainage conduits, and installations located in the public maritime-terrestrial domain. Notably, four discharges are submarine outfalls, while 34 are designated conduits for drainage. Most drainage systems are concentrated in urban areas, particularly in Puerto del Rosario, with 11 points, followed closely by La Oliva, which hosts 10.

In archaeological and marine contexts, the importance of maintaining and regulating these structures cannot be overstated. Each municipality has at least one submarine outfall—except for Antigua, which has none recorded.

Notable Municipal Findings

Fuerteventura exhibits a variety of these discharges across its landscape. In La Oliva, 13 discharges were observed, primarily in Corralejo and El Cotillo. Meanwhile, Puerto del Rosario contributes 12. Other municipalities, like Antigua and Pájara, each have six discharges, while Tuineje accounts for three.

The southern region suffers from a lack of authorizations as well. Notably, the Puertito de la Cruz desalination plant operates without permission, alongside a drainage conduit in Morro Jable, which is particularly concerning given its location in a tourist hotspot. Meanwhile, the Club Aldiana desalination plant also operates without authorization, presenting challenges for regulatory bodies aimed at preserving marine health.

Regulatory Landscape and Protected Waters

In addressing environmental concerns, it’s crucial to examine which areas are classified as protected. The census data reveals that the most significant concentration of discharges lies within two critical water bodies: Punta Jandía-Punta del Lago and Punta del Lago-Caleta del Espino, with 13 discharges each.

Over half (68%) of all recorded discharge points are situated outside of protected zones, while the remaining 32% fall within various conservation areas. Among those in protected regions, six are located in the Special Conservation Area (ZEC) of Playas de Sotavento de Jandía, which raises questions regarding biodiversity and habitat preservation.

The Role of the National Census

The National Discharge Census conducted by the General Directorate of Water within the Ministry for Ecological Transition undergoes annual updates to reflect current wastewater management issues. This is facilitated by the Insular Water Council of Fuerteventura, which provides vital local information.

The annual reports produced by the Ministry focus exclusively on authorized discharges, while recent updates from the Canarian government indicate broader coverage. They rely heavily on diligent archival work and relevant administrative processes to capture all forms of wastewater discharges, both new and existing. Corrections to past errors and the removal of outdated data are integral parts of this updating process.

In essence, while Fuerteventura treasures its unique ecosystems, the management of wastewater discharges poses an ongoing challenge that reflects the delicate balance of environmental stewardship and urban needs. Through continued monitoring and stakeholder engagement, there exists the potential to improve both ecological health and community interests in this beautiful archipelago.