Nearly every drop that comes out of a tap in Lanzarote was born in the sea — and soon there will be quite a bit more of it. The island’s Water Consortium has put out a 6.48 million euro tender to restore rack number 3 of the Lanzarote III plant at the Díaz Rijo Desalination Plant in Punta de los Vientos, a project that will add 10,000 cubic meters per day of desalinated water to the island’s production capacity.

The tender, published in the Official Journal of the European Union, covers the complete rehabilitation of the unit, with a 14-month execution period. Funding combines a direct five million euro grant from the Canary Islands Government with the Consortium’s own funds, spread across 2026 and 2027.

Why desalinated water in Lanzarote matters

The project is part of the response to the water emergency declared in Lanzarote and La Graciosa, driven by population growth, tourist demand, and the aging of part of the island’s facilities. The Consortium’s strategy moves on two fronts at once: producing more water and losing less of it along the way.

“We need to produce more water, but also make sure that more of what we produce actually reaches the tanks and the users,” said Water councilor Domingo Cejas, referring to the parallel renovation of pipes and distribution networks. Consortium president Oswaldo Betancort said the island is delivering on its water-emergency commitments: “increase production, reduce losses, and promote the culture of water and saving.”

The contract is being processed under urgent procedure — a detail that captures the situation: securing the supply on an island with no rivers and no usable aquifers leaves no room for long timelines. Once the rack comes online, it will strengthen supply security for residents and visitors year-round.

Published: Aug 22, 2026. Official sources: Cabildo de Lanzarote y La Graciosa.