A disturbing video shared by an Italian holidaymaker has brought renewed attention to an ongoing environmental issue in Lanzarote. The footage, captured in broad daylight shows an underwater pipe discharging what appears to be raw sewage into the sea, just metres from the headquarters of the Lanzarote Cabildo.
The tourist, who recorded the video around 5:15pm on Tuesday, described the area as having a "very bad smell," a sentiment echoed by many locals and visitors familiar with the area. The visual evidence and accompanying testimony highlight growing concerns over water pollution in this part of the island.
This is not the first time the area has faced scrutiny. In early 2024, the Arrecife Council was forced to raise the red flag at El Reducto beach, located just a short distance from these discharges.
The closure was prompted by a sewage discharge following heavy rain, which led the Canary Islands' Public Health Department to demand immediate action from the local authority.
Environmentalists have long warned about the risks of untreated wastewater entering the ocean, both for marine ecosystems and public health.
The incident has reignited debate about infrastructure management and environmental protections in Lanzarote’s capital, with calls for increased transparency and urgent measures to stop it.
Authorities have yet to issue an official response to the most recent video, but pressure is mounting on local institutions to investigate and address the situation promptly.
