Home > Current Events > Can Italy Resolve Their Water Purification Crisis?

Can Italy Resolve Their Water Purification Crisis?

August 5th, 2011

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Most people expect places like Africa and India to experience water resource problems. Modern nations that aren’t capable of managing water resources, pollution, and treatment appropriately can also experience problems. It’s hard to imagine that Italy, the economic center of the ancient world, is one of these nations; however, it is. Industrial and agricultural contaminants fill the water, and the country can’t keep up with the water filtration and treatment requirements.

According to statistics, 19.1 million tons of solid waste is produced in Italy’s cities each year. That in itself creates a staggering amount of water needing to be treated. Italy has faced this problem since about 1976 when toxic debris was left behind from a chemical plant explosion that forced the evacuation of 1,000 residents.  Women who were pregnant were also advised to abort their child.

In more recent years, the deplorable water conditions in Italian lakes have come into the spotlight, especially around the Laglio beach area, when American actor George Clooney purchased two waterfront villas. The water conditions at the lake and beach are far from impeccable. It was revealed that bacteria levels were 68% higher than normal after testing the lake and beach water. The lakes are becoming more polluted although Italy is making progress in cleaning up saltwater resources.

Although fans of Clooney were tempted to get in the sparkling waters, they were risking a lot in doing so. Many people suffered dermatitis and skin infections after being in the water. Biologists have determined that some of the really bad areas can contain very harmful bacteria like salmonella. In order to keep people safe, it was necessary to close some of the beaches although it wasn’t in the best interests of the tourism industry.

There are many things that contribute to the water problems in Italy. Illegal housing, contaminants dumped in the water by industries, and global warming which causes less rain that helps replenish water resources all contribute to the problems in the country. Also, the systems to help purify water that were built back in the 70’s and 80’s are antiquated and no longer effective in dealing with the problems faced today. Doc No. rjslhssld-sdg

Kristie Brown writes on a variety of topics from health to technology. Check out her websites on emergency water filter, emergency water filters and emergency water filtration

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