The state of waters in Italy: 43.6% of surface waters in good or better ecological status
Groundwater performs better: around 80% is in good quantitative status
The ISPRA Report “The State of Waters in Italy – Towards the 4th Management Cycle” has been published, providing a snapshot of the condition of national water bodies in relation to achieving environmental quality objectives.
In Italy, out of more than 7,700 surface water bodies (rivers, lakes, marine-coastal waters, and transitional waters), 43.6% are in good or better ecological status/potential, while just over 75% are in good chemical status. As for groundwater, out of a total of 1,007 water bodies, nearly 80% are in good quantitative status, while 70% are in good chemical status. Surface and groundwater bodies with unknown status have decreased significantly compared to the 2nd management cycle of the Water Framework Directive. By 2027, improvements are expected in achieving the environmental quality objectives set by the Directive for both surface and groundwater bodies.
These are just some of the data contained in the ISPRA Report on the state of waters in Italy – towards the 4th management cycle, prepared on the basis of information reported in the Water Management Plans – 3rd management cycle of the Water Framework Directive. By providing a concise yet comprehensive introduction to the principles and functioning of the Directive, the ISPRA Report also offers the necessary interpretative framework for understanding the statistics presented in the report itself. In addition to a detailed overview of the condition of water bodies, the pressures affecting them, and the measures needed to improve their status, the report provides the essential information base for informed and conscious reflection.
Maria Alessandra Gallone, President of ISPRA and SNPA: “ISPRA and SNPA provide solid scientific data in support of institutions. The Report on the state of our waters confirms positive signs, but also highlights how urgent it is to accelerate progress toward achieving our water quality objectives. Water is a national priority and a strategic lever for the environment, health, and the economy; it is essential to reduce pressures, especially diffuse ones, and to strengthen integrated and sustainable water resource management. In a context of climate change, investing in prevention and monitoring is no longer an option, but a shared responsibility. Water is our most precious asset, and protecting its health means protecting our own as well.”
The analysis contained in the ISPRA Report, carried out at the river basin district scale—the territorial reference unit for planning under the Water Framework Directive—reveals that most surface water bodies classified as having high ecological status are located in the Sardinia district and consist mainly of marine-coastal waters (44%) and transitional waters (10%). The highest percentages of rivers in good ecological potential are also recorded in Sardinia (76% of the district’s river water bodies), followed by the Eastern Alps and Central Apennines districts (43% for both).
Regarding anthropogenic pressures, diffuse source pollution (spread across the territory), particularly from agriculture, remains the most significant pressure affecting surface waters, followed by hydromorphological pressures (such as hydraulic defense works and road/railway crossings), point-source pressures (especially urban wastewater discharges), and water abstraction.
Integrated and sustainable water resource management must be based on adequate knowledge and analytical tools for assessing the status of water bodies, the pressures they are subject to, and the effectiveness of measures aimed at improving their condition and mitigating impacts. In a climate context and a framework of rapidly evolving economic and social development, integrated and sustainable water management is not only an environmental priority, but also a strategic choice for the future of the country.
Report on the State of Water in Italy: Towards the Fourth Management Cycle