Central and southern Italy are racing against time as severe water shortages put agriculture, tourism, and daily life at risk. Authorities warn supplies for farming could dry up in just three weeks, sparking alarms in regions like Sicily, Apulia, and Sardinia.
Regions on the Brink
The Occhito reservoir in Apulia—a lifeline for crops and drinking water—has lost over 15 million cubic meters in eight days. Sicily’s dire straits have led officials to urge tourists to ‘skip the island this summer’, with six of 29 reservoirs now bone-dry. Meanwhile, Sardinia’s dams are at 57% capacity, forcing water rationing.
Ticking Clock for Farms
Italy’s National Association of the Agricultural Water Board (ANBI) calls the crisis “unprecedented.” Farmers face impossible choices as crops wither, risking economic fallout.
Tourism vs. Drought
In a twist of irony, Italy expects a record-breaking tourist season—topping pre-pandemic numbers. But with water rationing underway and Sicilian advisories in place, travelers might swap beaches for bottled water lines.
As temperatures rise, so does the urgency: Can Italy balance its economic lifelines while quenching a deepening thirst?
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—topping pre-pandemic numbers. But with water rationing underway and Sicilian advisories in place, travelers might swap beaches for bottled water lines.
