Sardinia water emergency and dam project debate

A water emergency has been declared in the high Baronia and low Gallura regions of Sardinia due to severe drought conditions. The Maccheronis reservoir on the Posada River has reached critical levels, falling below 10% of its total capacity. Recent reports indicate the reservoir is nearly dry, with only one million cubic meters of water remaining.

In response, the Consorzio di Bonifica della Sardegna Centrale has suspended all irrigation distribution to prioritize civil uses, such as drinking water, hygiene, food production, and livestock watering. While exceptions may be granted for specific sectors like nurseries and orchards, local municipalities have been urged to prohibit non-essential water use.

The crisis, exacerbated by tourism growth, has reignited a twenty-year debate regarding the construction of the Abbalughente dam. Proponents, including Ambrogio Guiso, president of the Central Sardinia Reclamation Consortium, and Gavino Zirattu, president of Anbi Sardegna, argue the project is necessary to address insufficient water resources.

However, local leaders in Torpè, Posada, and Siniscola oppose the plan. Torpè Mayor Gianni Pilosu expressed concerns regarding environmental protection, noting that the dam would be located within the Tepilora Park, a UNESCO Man and Biosphere area. Pilosu suggested alternative solutions, such as constructing smaller downstream reservoirs to capture the 490 million cubic meters of water that currently flows annually into the sea. Posada Mayor Salvatore Ruiu also raised concerns regarding the project’s estimated 500 million euro cost and the twenty-year timeline required for completion.