As climate change continues to unleash extreme weather patterns across Europe, the continent’s water infrastructure is increasingly unprepared for the challenges ahead. The situation is dire, particularly in regions like Basilicata, Italy, where up to 70 percent of drinking water fails to reach its intended destination.
Basilicata, located in the arch of Italy’s boot, has long relied on the local Camastra dam for its water supply. However, the region faced severe drought conditions last summer, which drained the dam and left twenty-nine municipalities without regular access to water. This crisis prompted the Italian government to declare a state of emergency.
The emergency highlighted a persistent issue in Basilicata: a deteriorating water infrastructure that leaks vast amounts of water. According to the Italian National Institute of Statistics, the region loses more than two-thirds of its water supply through its aging pipes, with losses reaching 70 percent in its capital, Potenza.
“The region is going back to the Middle Ages because of a water crisis that’s not only and exclusively the effect of extreme heat and drought, but above all of years and years of insipient administrations towards a colander network and a system management made of patches and not structural interventions,” said Carmine Vaccaro, secretary of the Italian Union of Retired Workers.
Infrastructure woes across Europe
This crisis in Basilicata reflects a broader, continent-wide issue. Many regions in Europe are grappling with aging water infrastructure and poor management of water resources. Vera Corbelli, secretary general of the Southern Apennine District Basin Authority, noted that much of the water infrastructure in Southern Italy dates back to the 1940s and 1950s, and is now at or beyond its life expectancy. Replacing the existing network poses significant financial challenges.
As the European Commission prepares to unveil an EU Water Resilience Strategy, the urgency to address these issues has never been more critical. The strategy aims to enhance the resilience of the bloc’s water supply by combating leakages and losses, with a focus on leveraging digital tools.
Nevertheless, environmental groups argue that this approach is too limited. They advocate for a more holistic strategy that includes nature-based solutions alongside infrastructure improvements. In Italy, for instance, the consumer association Federconsumatori has reported that over 60 percent of the nation’s pipes are over 30 years old, contributing to a staggering 42 percent loss of drinking water in 2022.
Broader implications of water mismanagement
While Italy grapples with its water issues, other EU countries are also facing significant challenges. Bulgaria holds the record for the highest water loss in the EU, exceeding 60 percent due to failures in its infrastructure. Ireland follows closely, with 50 percent of its water supply wasted, although Irish Water claims only a portion is due to leaks.
In contrast, northern nations like Belgium are experiencing heightened water stress due to long-standing practices of rapidly displacing rainwater to prevent flooding. This approach has led to a dependency on rainfall for water replenishment, creating a precarious situation in the face of climate change.
To combat these challenges, Belgium is now attempting to restore the natural flow of its waterways, a shift that comes after decades of prioritizing drainage over preservation. The Flemish Blue Deal aims to maintain water locally, but funding for such initiatives is increasingly uncertain.
As discussions around the EU Water Resilience Strategy continue, the demand for substantial investment in water infrastructure remains paramount. Water Europe has called for €255 billion in water-related investments over the next six years, highlighting a significant funding gap that needs to be addressed.
In light of these pressing concerns, the path forward for Europe will require innovative solutions, a re-evaluation of water management practices, and a commitment to safeguarding this vital resource for future generations.