Reducing losses in the water network: Como Acqua gets a PNRR grant of more than 13 million for the Como area

The project for the Single Manager of the Integrated Water Service in the Province of Como will also be carried out thanks to the funds allocated by the MIT, through the call for proposals funded by the European Union

 

Como, May 9, 2024 – The Como Acqua investment project “Reduction of water losses in water distribution networks through the digitalization and monitoring of networks in 40 Municipalities of the Como ATO” obtained from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MIT) a grant of as much as 13,653,305 euros, funded by’European Union through the “NextGenerationEU” plan”.

For the second time, a project by the Single Manager of the Integrated Water Service of the Province of Como has been recognized as worthy of the assignment of NRP resources, in this case for the M2C4 – I4.2 line (“Reduction of losses in water distribution networks, including network digitalization and monitoring”).

This project—developed using an approach based on international best practices—is designed to contribute at the local level, in light of the well-known national issue of high water losses in the distribution network (national average: 42.41 TP4T), to help achieve the general objectives of European water legislation, adapt to climate change, and comply with sector regulations.

Specifically, the project – of total value of 21,601,705 euros, with a schedule setting the completion of the works by March 30, 2026, aims to reduce water losses in as many as 40 municipalities in the Como area through an intervention divided into two lots: 1) the digitalization, modeling, district creation, and monitoring of network flow rates and pressures; 2) continuous monitoring of the volumes delivered to end users.

The Company's objective is to “district” the network for a’extension equal to 1,506 km, compared to the over 5,000 total km managed by Como Acqua, an activity that will allow for optimization in the management of the infrastructure, resulting in a reduction of leaks and energy savings, as well as a sharp reduction in climate-altering gas emissions.

Following the recent increase in funding for tackling water losses, the Ministry, which had already admitted Como Acqua's project for funding – though without financing it due to a lack of funds –, has now been able to allocate the available contribution for its implementation.

“Considering that the national water grid dates largely back to the 1960s and that due to this age about 40% of the drinking water introduced into the distribution network is lost along the way, the need for structural interventions is now imperative to avoid a waste that we can no longer afford – comments the President of Como Acqua – especially given that climate change does not allow us to predict the future availability of the resource”.

La fight against water leakage It therefore has a strongly “green” mold, and the NRRP can contribute to overcoming a very challenging phase from an environmental perspective, supporting the design of a different future for future generations.

The implementation of the funded projects requires commitment, and Como Acqua shows strong determination in this regard, feeling encouraged by the institutions as they concretely recognize the value of its objectives for the benefit of the territory.