Sicily is currently experiencing a significant water crisis, exacerbated by extreme drought conditions.

Of the 47 planned reservoirs in the region, only 20 have been successfully completed and tested.

In a recent development, all 31 water management projects submitted by the Sicilian government under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (Pnrr) have been rejected, leaving officials and residents concerned about future water availability.

Renato Schifani, the regional president, has described inheriting a disastrous situation in water management.

The issues stem not only from historical governance but also from alarming statistics regarding water losses.

Currently, water supply systems in Sicily reportedly suffer from a staggering 56.1% leakage rate, with the region's sewage systems deemed among the worst in Italy, affecting 76.5% of the populace.

In Catania, for instance, only 35.8% of sewage is properly managed.

Historical context reveals a long-standing struggle with water scarcity in Sicily.

In 1962, a publication illustrated hope for the region's arid lands after rainfalls prompted the opening of the Trinità Dam, envisioned to provide much-needed water.

However, this dam was never fully certified and has largely gone unused for decades due to safety concerns following catastrophes like the Vajont disaster in 1963 and the Belice earthquake in 1968.

Recent reports indicate that automatic drainage systems in dams are triggered when water exceeds safety thresholds, leading to significant water loss amidst ongoing climate change challenges.

Nicola Dell’Acqua, the extraordinary commissioner for the water emergency, highlighted that maintenance of these facilities has been inadequate, which is particularly pronounced in Sicily.

For example, vegetation overgrowth has occurred in many dam discharge channels, highlighting neglect.

Monitoring data revealed that the Rosamarina reservoir, once considered a key solution for Palermo's water needs, is now operating at only 14.11% of its drinking water capacity and 10.30% of its theoretical maximum due to mismanagement.

The situation extends beyond reservoir management.

Some regions like Caccamo are implementing severe water rationing measures, providing access only once every eight days amid rising demands from residents and agriculture.

Current levels in other reservoirs across Sicily also show concerning deficits, with locations like Scanzano at just 30% of their expected levels, reinforcing the severity of the issue as summer approaches.

Agricultural sectors are similarly affected, as the region struggles with an influx of renewable energy projects, leading to the abandonment of traditional farming practices.

Activists have noted the transformation of historically fertile lands into renewable energy installations as farmers abandon crops due to inadequate compensation.

The regional government has reportedly invested vast sums in water projects, with some estimates of over €8 billion since the early 1990s to improve water management, yet results have been minimal—17 of the originally planned reservoirs are now out of service, with additional projects left unfinished.

The recent attempt to align with the Pnrr ended in disappointment.

Critics have labeled the outcome as indicative of discrimination against the southern regions of Italy.

However, it has also been noted that the rejection may reflect the overall weakness of the proposals and deficiencies within the administrative frameworks in Sicily.

Further complicating the matter, regional authorities continue to prioritize the construction of new desalination plants.

Schifani announced an investment of €290 million, with plans for dissalators in multiple coastal towns, despite warnings from experts regarding the economic viability of such projects.

Many existing desalination facilities have fallen into disrepair and have accumulated significant debts from previous operations, with Gela paying €10.5 million annually until 2026 for outdated systems.

As Sicily navigates its ongoing water crisis, the focus remains on addressing the underlying systemic issues within the region’s water management policies and infrastructure.