Agrigento, a historic city in Sicily, is currently grappling with a severe water crisis exacerbated by climate change and a surge in tourism. This water shortage poses a significant threat to its historical sites and local businesses.

The situation is likely to worsen as the influx of tourists continues to rise. Perched on a hill in the southwestern part of Sicily, this city has long struggled with inadequate water supply.

According to The Mirror on Thursday, January 9, 2025, water reserves are primarily stored in tanks, with supplies transported by water trucks. However, climate change and prolonged droughts have intensified these challenges.

The water supply in Agrigento relies on aging underground aqueducts that frequently experience leaks. Despite authorities planning to improve the water system since 2011, no concrete actions have been taken as of yet.

In May 2024, the Italian government allocated €20 million (approximately IDR 340 billion) to purchase water trucks and drill new wells in Sicily; however, only about 17% of this work was completed by July 2024.

As reported by Fodor’s, the water shortage also jeopardizes Agrigento’s historical sites, including the Valley of the Temples, which is a vital agricultural landscape in the region. Ongoing drought poses a risk of damaging or altering the condition of these sites.

Moreover, the water scarcity has forced some businesses to shut down, and many households have started storing water in containers for daily activities like cooking and washing. Several small hotels and guesthouses are struggling to provide sufficient water for their guests.

During the summer months, the situation worsens, with some accommodations limiting bookings due to their inability to guarantee adequate water supply for essential needs like restrooms.

A property owner in the city shared that they had to install two water tanks, as one was no longer sufficient. If the situation persists, they plan to close their property and cancel all reservations.

Some hotels have also implemented aerators on faucets to reduce water flow in sinks and toilets. The local government has devised several initiatives to tackle the issue, both in the short and long term.

These initiatives include reactivating unused wells, maintaining dams, and constructing new desalination plants. Recent research has also discovered underground water deposits that will be explored further.

In reality, Agrigento has been facing severe drought for the past 30 years, and the situation has only intensified. In February 2024, the government declared a water emergency that will remain in effect until the end of the year.

Throughout the summer, water rationing was enforced, and some residents had to cut their water consumption by up to 45%. In August, public protests erupted due to dissatisfaction with these policies.

Trade unions and church authorities (Cartello Sociale) have stated that the water situation in the city is becoming increasingly unsustainable, with frequent service disruptions and uneven distribution.

For Agrigento, whose economy heavily relies on tourism, officials are reluctant to limit the number of visitors. However, an increasing number of tourists places heightened pressure on the city’s water system.

Urban planning professor at the University of Palermo, Giuseppe Abbate, warns that if the drought and water crisis persist, major events like the Agrigento Cultural Capital 2025, which is expected to attract both domestic and international tourists, could face serious challenges.

“If the drought and water emergency continue, it is clear that this could pose significant problems for events like Agrigento Cultural Capital 2025, which will draw many visitors from both local and foreign locales,” said Abbate.

(upd/fem)