Reevaluation of Punta Brava’s Submarine Outfall Project

The plan to repair the submarine outfall at Punta Brava in Puerto de la Cruz has been deemed unfeasible and requires a fresh approach, according to a technical report from the Tenerife Island Water Council. The report, dated August 18, suggests that the existing solutions do not adequately meet the project’s objectives due to technical constraints.

Initially, the project aimed to replace 240 meters of pipeline with high-density polyethylene and secure it with new ballast blocks. This was part of a 2.7 million euro contract awarded to Ferrovial. However, the report challenges the viability of these plans, indicating that none of the proposed alternatives sufficiently address the issues.

The outfall is crucial for the wastewater system of the Valle de La Orotava and Los Realejos, with Puerto de la Cruz contributing 62% of the treated discharges. The pipeline extends 1.1 kilometers, with the discharge point located 900 meters offshore at a depth of over 30 meters.

Problems with the outfall were first identified in 2020, with inspections revealing minor leaks. A subsequent inspection in 2024 found a misaligned joint in the pipeline, prompting plans to replace the affected section and an additional 240 meters of pipeline.

To manage treated water during the repair, three deep wells were constructed, operational by July 2026. However, issues arose with these wells, including a coastal spring emergence and reduced filtration capacity due to solid accumulation.