Water shortage hits northern Messina villages, authorities deploy tankers

Villages in the northern area of Messina Province, including Massa, Spartà, Castanea and the Mastrissa district of Castelmola, have been suffering from severely reduced water pressure and limited daily supply, in some cases only one hour per day. Local councilors Domenico Fornaro and Santi Previti appealed to the regional water company, Azienda Meridionale Acque, and the municipal administration for urgent measures. Engineer Salvatore Ruello attributed the problem to a tripling of demand, small storage reservoirs and leakage, and suggested night‑time deliveries when consumption is low.

The regional water authority (AMM) responded by sending water tankers to the most affected households and coordinating with a social cooperative that assisted elderly residents. In Castelmola, after seven days without water, mayor Orlando Russo secured additional tankers from the neighboring towns of Letojanni and Roccafiorita, highlighting personal networks with fellow mayors. A contractor worked through the night to restore the flow, and water service was eventually reinstated in the affected areas.