In the Vicenza area (and the Veneto region in general), a progressive lowering of groundwater levels is being observed. These waters have historically been essential for the supply of aqueducts, for the agricultural system, and for numerous productive activities. This phenomenon is part of a broader context of climate change , characterized by a reduction in snowfall in the mountains and increasingly intense precipitation concentrated in short periods.
This combination leads to reduced groundwater recharge and, consequently, a reduction in the available natural water reservoir . Without adaptive measures, this can lead to a progressive increase in water stress .
In a context of future reduction in water availability , it is therefore crucial that stakeholders who draw from the same catchment area take action to reduce consumption and protect the resource. In this scenario, Viacqua, as the water manager of the aqueducts , can intervene through targeted actions to reduce its own aqueduct withdrawals, while working simultaneously to reduce water losses. It is, in fact, a company that manages the complete water service (aqueduct, sewerage, and purification) in 66 municipalities in the Province of Vicenza , for a catchment area of 544,000 inhabitants. In this sense, its role is crucial.
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To address these challenges, Viacqua is carrying out the LIFE Svolta Blu project , which aims to promote a general cultural shift regarding water resources, together with local stakeholders. The project is funded by the Climate Governance and Information sub-programme of the LIFE programme of the European Union (101157963 – LIFE23-CIC-IT-LIFESVOLTABLU).
Viacqua serves as the lead partner , coordinating the partners' activities and ensuring the evaluation of the various project phases. The other partners are : the Palazzo Pestari Foundation (IPA Alto Vicentino); the Alta Pianura Veneta Land Reclamation Consortium (APV); ANBI Veneto ; CSQA ; the University of Padua (TESAF and ICEA departments).
The goal is to share common cultural foundations to address current challenges and understand which concrete actions to implement in water management and water withdrawals. To this end , training initiatives have been developed for industrial and artisanal businesses, agricultural companies , and local authorities (on sustainable drainage and building regulations). For each of these stakeholder categories, the project offers support opportunities in developing sustainable water management strategies.
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Source: La Repubblica – Rome