Drought in Italy 2024: Analysis and Future Outlook

New challenges call for a new strategy in water resource management. Analysis, impacts, and sustainable solutions for the future

2024 has proven to be one of the most critical years for drought in Italy, with below-average rainfall and consistently rising temperatures. Extreme events linked to climate change are jeopardizing Italy’s water resources, putting agriculture, industry and local communities under pressure.

As Greenpeace reports, “it is now clear that Italy, along with other Mediterranean countries, is particularly affected by climate change, which is manifesting through drought phenomena that were almost unknown at our latitudes just a few decades ago.”

According to data from the National Research Council (CNR) and ISPRA, Northern Italy has seen a drop of over 40% in water reserves compared to the historical average, while Central and Southern regions are facing increasing desertification. These signals demand urgent reflection on new drought adaptation measures. In particular, as we will see—and as Idro has long advocated—more effective and less wasteful management of the available water resources is essential. These resources are dwindling, and we must learn to value and control them. The technologies to do this already exist.

The impact of drought on agriculture and the environment

Among the sectors most affected by the water crisis is agriculture, which accounts for over 60% of Italy’s freshwater consumption. Water scarcity has reduced yields for many key crops—wheat, corn, and vegetables—causing significant economic damage and disrupting ecosystem balances.

The impact of drought on agriculture translates not only into production losses but also higher irrigation costs and the need to rethink cultivation techniques. Added to this is soil degradation and the increasing risk of wildfires, which are becoming more frequent in the summer months.

As Legambiente reports, the situation is serious: “Italy is increasingly at the mercy of the climate crisis. In 2024, for the third consecutive year, there were over 300 extreme weather events affecting the country, reaching 351 this year. This number has been steadily growing over the past decade: in 2024 there was an almost sixfold increase in extreme weather events, +485% compared to 2015 (when 60 were recorded).”

Climate change and the need for adaptation

Climate forecasts for the coming years indicate an increase in the frequency and intensity of drought events, making the connection between water crises and climate change obvious. Faced with this scenario, an emergency approach is no longer enough: structural, long-term planning is required.

As we noted in a recent article, it is first of all essential to reduce the water footprint, meaning the amount of water resources used to produce goods and services consumed by the population—whether public or private, corporate or individual. To achieve this, we have many strategies to implement, first and foremost a conscious and thoughtful use of the water we have available.

Additionally, drought adaptation measures should include:

• Investments in resilient water infrastructure;
• Recovery and reuse of wastewater;
• Promotion of water efficiency in the agricultural and industrial sectors;
• Raising awareness among local communities about responsible water use.

Sustainable water resource management: a priority

Effective drought management depends on maximizing available water resources and improving distribution and treatment networks. In this context, technologies for the capture, treatment, and reuse of wastewater become strategic tools for ensuring water supply and protecting the environment.

Now more than ever, Italy needs flexible and smart infrastructure capable of adapting to an increasingly unstable climate. Synergy among public agencies, businesses, and citizens will be essential for building a virtuous and resilient model.

Despite the seriousness of the situation, the water crisis also represents an opportunity for innovation. Italy has the technical expertise, know-how, and technologies needed to turn this emergency into an opportunity for sustainable development.

Adopting an integrated approach to water resource management, investing in wastewater reuse, and promoting a culture of sustainability can make a real difference in the coming years. We are at a turning point: it’s time to act, building solid and lasting water resilience for the benefit of future generations.

IDRO Group solutions for tackling the water crisis

IDRO Group has been operating for over 40 years in the water treatment and management sector, offering cutting-edge technological solutions to address environmental and climate challenges. These include:

• Design and construction of civil and industrial wastewater treatment plants that enable the reuse of treated water;
   
• Systems for water reuse in agricultural, industrial, and urban settings;
   
• Technologies for natural purification through phytoremediation and low environmental impact processes;
   
• Customized interventions for sustainable water resource management, even in critical or water-scarce contexts.
   

Thanks to strong engineering capabilities and continuous research, IDRO Group is the ideal partner for public agencies and companies looking to reduce environmental impact and ensure efficient water management. Adopting innovative technologies and water reuse strategies brings not only environmental benefits but also economic advantages.

The company designs and builds effective, customized solutions for water treatment and management through advanced systems and plants that optimize water consumption and reduce environmental impact. For example:

• Rainwater harvesting systems: Simple, efficient solutions for collecting and storing rainwater, ideal for agricultural, domestic, and landscaping use. Quick installation and low maintenance.
   
• Desalination plants: Using advanced technologies such as reverse osmosis systems, IDRO Group makes seawater and brackish water potable, offering a strategic and safe alternative for water supply in situations of scarcity or drought. These compact, sustainable plants ensure water availability even in coastal areas or islands where conventional resources are limited or under climate stress.
   
• Smart monitoring technologies: Advanced sensors to monitor soil moisture and water quality in real time, optimizing irrigation and improving productivity while reducing waste.
   
• Sustainable irrigation: IDRO Group promotes low-impact agricultural practices through the reuse of treated wastewater and technologies for efficient and responsible water use.
   
• Education and awareness: The company also organizes workshops and educational programs for farmers, students, and citizens, promoting a culture of water based on awareness and good practices.
   

Contact IDRO Group to find the solution that best fits your needs and start immediately reducing your company's and processes’ water footprint. A more sustainable future is possible—and it starts today.