The Water Crisis in Sicily and Its Consequences
The year 2023 marked the fourth consecutive year of water emergency in Sicily, with rainfall below the historical average.
The first months of 2024 also confirm this worrying trend, characterized by higher temperatures and low rainfall.
This situation has exacerbated the water crisis in Sicily, making it difficult to recharge natural and artificial reservoirs, as well as underground aquifers.
Current Data on Water Availability in Sicily
As of March 2024, the water situation in Sicily shows that some reservoirs for drinking use lack more than 90 percent of the water needed (ANBI data).
Reservoirs for irrigation use are also in trouble.
According to the Sicilian District Authority, data show only 299 million cubic meters of invaded water, or 30 percent of the total potential: the lowest value since 2010, a clear sign of the persistent water emergency in Sicily.
Rationing Plan and State of Emergency
Nearly one million Sicilians are facing a drinking water rationing plan, with forced reductions between 10 percent and 45 percent in 93 municipalities in the provinces of Agrigento, Caltanissetta, Enna, Messina, Palermo and Trapani.
Government Council Resolution no.
100 of March 11, 2024 declared a state of crisis and regional emergency for the water crisis in Sicily.
In addition, the Council of Ministers resolved the national state of emergency for drought in Sicily on May 6, 2024, published in Official Gazette no.
113 of May 16, 2024, for a period of 12 months.
Criticality of Plants and Proposed Solutions
The obsolescence of the refining plants and the closure of the desalination plants in Gela, Trapani and Porto Empedocle have aggravated the water emergency situation in Sicily. If the refining plants had been modernized as required by law (Legislative Decree 152/2006 – Legislative Decree 185/2003), we would have thousands of cubic meters of water available for irrigation. The closure of the desalination plants has further limited the available resources.
The Need for Technological Innovation
To address the water crisis in Sicily caused by climate change, technological solutions are essential. Conventional sources such as reservoirs are no longer sufficient. It is crucial to invest in reverse osmosis desalinators for water for human consumption and in refining plants for water for civil and irrigation use.
Conclusion
The future of water resource management in Sicily depends on adopting modern technologies and upgrading existing systems.
Only with an innovative approach and sustainable management can we overcome this water emergency in Sicily and ensure a better future for all Sicilians.
