Main challenges for the Italian water sector

Italy is facing a growing water crisis. To ensure water supply, it is critical to understand the main challenges for the Italian water sector, how it is organized and how to manage this precious resource more efficiently.

There is a need for work on several levels: Prevent and combat the effects of climate change on hydrogeological instability phenomena and on the vulnerability of the territory in urban areas, reducing consumption, reducing waste, modernizing infrastructure and promoting reuse of water.

The Recovery plan identifies 5 main challenges to face:

• According to the data collected by the Higher Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA) and reported in the Report on hydrogeological instability in Italy (2018 edition), there is a significant negative impact of hydrogeological instability on the population and on the economic and productive fabric of Italy.
• Delays in the implementation of hydrogeological risk reduction projects due to the complexity and length of tender procedures.
• The fragmented and inefficient management of water resources characterised by high losses due to rundown and inefficient infrastructure.
• Sewerage and purification are not in line with European Directives, especially in the South.
• Lack of digital, smart and organic management of information and monitoring systems

The investments that the Recovery Plan reserves for “Protection of land and water resources” could lead to the green transition by promoting a more efficient and sustainable use of water resources and preventing actions contributing to the risks associated with climate change. In addition, it could offer many opportunities to Italian and foreign companies interested in the public sector.

For this reason, from a practical point of view, we highly suggest collaborating with a local expert when participating in public procurement procedures in these fields.