Water shortages in Sicily have worsened, affecting around two million of the Italian Mediterranean island’s five million residents, according to authorities. To ensure drinking water supply, the regional government plans to increase the use of seawater desalination plants.
“In light of climate change, we must address the problem of seawater treatment. Countries like Dubai and the Arab Emirates have done it, they make their money because it never rains there. I think Sicily must tackle the problem courageously but with conviction through the use of seawater, desalination and large drinking water installations,” said the President of the Sicily Region, Renato Schifani.
Reservoirs on the island are almost empty
Even in the capital Palermo, where until recently attempts have been made to avoid water rationing, taps remain dry for several hours a day. In the area of the city of Agrigento in the west of the island, drinking water is supplied by tankers. Things look better in eastern Sicily, where you can count on the groundwater at the Etna volcano, especially in the area around Catania.
Entire orchards abandoned
Sicilian farms are facing their worst water crisis ever, forcing the abandonment of entire orchards. Experts estimate the production damage at almost 313 million euros, which corresponds to about 74 percent of normal production. Damage was estimated at 60 percent for legumes, 70 percent for grains and 80 percent for forage crops.
The government in Rome wants to release 1.38 billion euros to reduce water losses from Italy’s aging aqueducts, with a focus on the south. 2.7 billion euros will be made available for the modernization and expansion of the national water infrastructure.
Source: Krone
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