Investment in water infrastructure has more than doubled over the past five years.
In a significant development for Italy's water sector, a comprehensive study conducted by the Oswi Observatory and presented by research and consulting company Agici, has outlined ambitious plans for investments in the country's integrated water system. The study, which focuses on enhancing the integration of the water system, was presented during the meeting "The Pnrr: an opportunity not to be missed to lead the water sector towards excellence".
The study, which was based on a sample of 87 management bodies with a combined catchment area of 41 million inhabitants, representing 71% of the Italian population, reveals that the planned investments in Italy's integrated water system from 2018 to 2023 amount to approximately €7.16 billion. These funds are earmarked for improving various aspects of the water infrastructure, including water supply, sewage networks, treatment plants, and maintenance, with the aim of enhancing service quality and sustainability across the country.
The study also shows an increase in investments in the integrated water system from 1.28 billion euros in 2018. The planned expenditure for the integrated water system in Italy for 2023 is 2.65 billion euros. Notably, the Pnrr (National Recovery and Resilience Plan) allocation for the water sector is 4.38 billion euros.
The focus of the study and the meeting is not just on the financial aspects but also on strengthening governance and enhancing the overall performance of the water sector. The study emphasises the need for improved management practices, modernisation of technologies, and increased collaboration between various stakeholders in the sector.
In addition, the study highlights the importance of dams as a crucial part of the water system. The investments planned for dams aim to ensure their safety and efficiency, thereby contributing to the overall resilience of the water system.
The meeting and the study are significant steps towards leading Italy's water sector towards excellence. The investments planned for the next few years are expected to bring about substantial improvements in the quality and sustainability of the water services across the country, ultimately benefiting millions of Italians.
The study, revealed through the presentation at the meeting "The Pnrr: an opportunity not to be missed to lead the water sector towards excellence", plans to invest approximately €7.16 billion in Italy's integrated water system from 2018 to 2023, with the aim to enhance energy-efficient water infrastructure like sewage networks, treatment plants, and maintenance. Moreover, the planned expenditure for dams is intended to ensure their safety and efficiency, thus contributing to the nation's overall energy and water system resilience.
