Sicilian lemon producer Rosario Cognata is angry because his fruit is wilting due to drought, while rainwater is being wasted nearby.
The Trinita dam was built in 1959 in the town of Castelvetrano on the Mediterranean island of Sicily, but has never been officially approved for use.
When the reservoir fills with rainwater, the authorities release the water into a canal leading to the sea.
Cognata blames the lack of water management on both local and government officials.
This has led to the neglect of infrastructure such as the dam and dilapidated pipes, forcing some farmers to dig illegal wells.
Sicilians have always faced drought, but global warming has made it worse.
This year, rainfall is significantly lower than usual, which has affected the island’s artificial reservoirs and drinking water supply.
Noto, a hydrology professor, emphasizes the need for public investment in maintaining the water distribution network.
Italy is the leading EU country in water consumption, but loses a significant amount of water due to poor infrastructure.
The Sicily Region is responding to the drought with a plan to reduce water losses, but issues with local water management continue to exacerbate the crisis.
Cognata is witnessing his lemons rot due to lack of water, and estimates his losses to be around 30-40%.
Without proper water management, families risk their livelihood, young people leave, and the countryside is emptying out.
Despite having a high birth rate, Sicily is experiencing rapid depopulation in recent years.
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