Following recent heavy rainfall, parts of the coastline in the south of Tenerife, particularly around Playa de las Américas, have been affected by sewage pollution leading to contaminated water and beaches.
Periods of intense rain can overwhelm local drainage and wastewater systems. When this happens, untreated or partially treated sewage can be discharged into the ocean, leading to temporary water quality issues along the coast.
What Sewage Pollution Means
Sewage pollution doesn’t just impact the experience at the beach but they can have serious consequences for marine ecosystems. Pollutants can harm fish, marine mammals, and coastal habitats, while also affecting human health.
Events like this highlight the importance of:
- Improving wastewater infrastructure
- Supporting sustainable urban development
- Raising awareness about environmental pressures on island ecosystems
How To Keep Safe
If you’re in the affected areas, it’s important to take precautions:
- Avoid swimming in visibly polluted or discoloured water
- Be cautious of strong odours or debris in the sea
- Follow any local advisories or beach closures (watch out for the red flag!)
- Keep pets away from contaminated water
These situations are usually temporary, but water quality can take time to return to safe levels. If you’re on the island right now, consider exploring alternative activities away from affected beaches and keep an eye on updates from local authorities regarding water quality.
Let’s continue to respect and protect the spaces we enjoy.
Canary Green’s tips to enjoying sustainable tourism in Canary Islands
Visiting Canary Islands on holiday doesn’t give you free rein to leave your values and principles at home. We encourage travellers to seek out sustainable options and keep up with environmental practices while travelling. Our top tips for a relaxed and wholesome stay include:
- Consider green transport options. Are you able to take a ferry to the island instead of flying? While you are here is a car necessary? Investigate public transport links or choose green options such as electric cars, green-hydrogen cars or e-bikes.
- Choose destinations that value sustainability and choose green alternatives such as solar power, recycling and energy-efficient architecture. This extends to places that value workers’ rights and the impact on the local community.
- Bring your own water bottle with you and refill it instead of buying single-use plastic bottles.
- Make use of the recycling when out and about and don’t just throw your rubbish in the nearest bin.
- Take advantage of local knowledge and immerse yourself in the culture through campaigns such as #Ilovecanarias and #meatfreemondaycanarias.
- Most of all, have fun and enjoy your time in the Canary Islands.
Thank you
Thank you to everyone involved in this Canary Green project where our aim is to help promote sustainable tourism in the Canary Islands.
Do you want us to find you more sustainable choices? Please support us and donate today!
- John Beckley; Founder of Canary Green non profit
- Canary Green non profit:
- Media communication & partnerships coordination: Aurora Bus
- Marine & coastal project manager: Daphne Geißen
- AI consultant: Sebastian Betz
- Media communication & partnerships coordination: Catarina Tuerlings Pires
Sustainable Development Associate: Claudia Scharff
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