Lecce tourist village closed due to water contamination

The Municipality of Lecce has ordered the immediate closure of a tourist village in Torre Rinalda following health inspections by the local Asl (health authority). The facility, which is not connected to the public aqueduct and relies on private water tanks, was found to be using water that poses a “grave danger to public health.”

Chemical analyses revealed that water levels exceeded legal limits for conductivity, chloride, and sodium. Most critically, high concentrations of AMPA (a glyphosate metabolite) and various pesticides were detected. Authorities noted that these substances should be prohibited even for agricultural use.

Alberto Fedele, director of the Asl Lecce Prevention Department, stated that investigations are underway to determine if illegal activities have contaminated the local groundwater or wells. The emergency ordinance, signed by Mayor Adriana Poli Bortone, suspends all hospitality activities and water distribution to the 182 housing units and other facilities within the complex until sanitary conditions are fully restored.