Italy plans measures against water shortages

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This provides clear steps in the fight against water scarcity and waste in the Mediterranean country. In particular, it includes the appointment of a special commissioner with far-reaching powers and the establishment of a body to oversee the process.

In concrete terms, the steps are intended to increase the usable volume of reservoirs and the expansion of rainwater collection basins for agricultural use in the long term. In addition, the reuse of treated waste water must be increased. The expansion of desalination plants should also be promoted.

According to the decree, the regulator must identify which measures and interventions are urgently needed to deal with the water crisis. It also aims to network between the different institutional levels dealing with the subject. The special commissioner must then in turn implement the measures in practice. In Italy, special commissioners are often deployed in exceptional situations – for example, an experienced general coordinated the vaccination campaign during the Corona period.

Last summer, exceptional droughts were recorded in Italy, which caused great damage to agriculture, especially in the north. Water-saving measures in major Italian cities and the declaration of a drought emergency in some regions were intended to remedy the situation at the time. The country is currently facing a major water shortage again and there are fears that the year will be even worse than 2022.

(SDA)

Source: Blick