Press Release

The Municipality of Fiumicino, the Land Reclamation Consortium of the Northern Rome Coast, and Acea Ato 2 have signed a memorandum of understanding for the reuse of wastewater in agriculture, originating from the Fregene purification plant. Once completed, the project will stand as one of Italy’s best practices in the optimization and recovery of water resources, with the aim of reducing environmental impact and combating drought. Mario Baccini, Mayor of the Municipality of Fiumicino, Niccolò Sacchetti, President of the Land Reclamation Consortium, and Claudio Cosentino, President of Acea Ato 2 have signed the agreement.

The resource recovered from the purification plant will increase the water availability of the existing irrigation system managed by the Land Reclamation Consortium. This will be achieved through the construction of a new supply pipeline that will convey treated water from the outlet of the Fregene purification plant to the reclamation canal for subsequent irrigation distribution. The new infrastructure, whose design phase has been completed and is currently undergoing approval, has received a contribution of more than €6 million from the Council of Ministers, as it has been included among the projects identified by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport to combat drought in several Italian regions.

“The use of recovered water, both in the short and long term,” - stated Mayor Mario Baccini – “will enhance the existing irrigation system, providing tangible and sustainable support for local agriculture, as well as a response to the challenges posed by climate change. Thanks to this new approach to water resource management, farmers in our area will be able to rely on a steady water supply throughout the year. Special thanks go to Matteo Salvini, Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, for ensuring the funding necessary for the realization of a project that will serve as a model of excellence for the entire country.”

“In Italy” – as highlighted by Claudio Cosentino, President of Acea Ato 2 – “only four percent of wastewater is reused. The protocol we signed today, along with the construction of the new supply pipeline, represents an optimal model for managing water resources. This will help safeguard an entire region and its agricultural production, protecting it from drought. Furthermore, Acea is committed to providing effective solutions for the areas where it operates, through sustainable strategies and innovative technologies, fostering fruitful collaboration with local governments and land reclamation consortia.”

“Fregene purification plant – stated Niccolò Sacchetti, President of the Land Reclamation Consortium of the Northern Rome Coast –meets the highest purification standards, enabling the safe and efficient reuse of water resources. This brings tangible benefits to the environment by reducing the abstractions of water from the Tiber River during the summer, when its water levels are at their lowest. We are also proud that the Municipality of Fiumicino is leading the way in the protection of water resources and sustainable development. We would like to extend our gratitude to Acea Ato 2, as well as professor Toscano from the University of Bologna and the University of Marche.”