Goletta Verde has revealed that over one-third of Italy’s coastal waters and lakes are polluted, with 34% of sampled sites exceeding legal limits for contamination. This figure aligns with last year's results, indicating a persistent issue despite ongoing efforts. The assessment, conducted by Legambiente during its summer campaigns, covered 391 sampling points across 19 regions, highlighting a troubling trend. For lakes, the pollution rate of 34% recorded in 2026 marks the worst level since 2020, underscoring a worsening situation. The primary cause of water degradation continues to be inadequate wastewater treatment. According to data from MASE obtained through a public request in July 2026, there are still 514 urban clusters, equivalent to more than 14 million inhabitants, that improperly discharge sewage into water bodies. These areas remain critical points of concern, contributing significantly to the overall pollution levels. Additionally, river mouths, channels, and streams that flow into the sea or lakes continue to pose serious challenges. Out of 188 sampled locations, 54% were found to be either polluted or heavily polluted. Among the most alarming cases are the mouth of the Musone River in the Marche region, which has been consistently highly contaminated for six years, with only one exception in 2024. Similarly, the mouth of the Aci Trezza River in Sicily has exceeded legal limits since 2020. In the case of lakes, the Lake of Sabaudia in Latium stands out, with three consecutive samples showing severe pollution. Beyond these specific instances, the general condition of water quality remains poor, with 15% of direct samples taken from seas and lakes exceeding legal standards, including 5% classified as polluted and 10% as severely polluted. A lack of informational signage at river mouths further exacerbates the problem. During the Goletta Verde campaign, it was noted that in 70% of monitored river mouths, there were no signs prohibiting swimming. This absence of information poses risks to public health and environmental awareness. Meanwhile, climate change contributes to rising temperatures and prolonged droughts, affecting both coastal and inland water bodies. Mediterranean surface temperatures have remained above 24°C throughout the summer months from 2020 to 2025, while lakes such as Iseo, Maggiore, and Como have suffered significant losses in water volume due to extended dry periods and high temperatures. Abandoned waste in marine environments presents another major threat. In Polignano a Mare, volunteers from Goletta Verde, alongside local divers and the annual "Puliamo il Mondo" campaign, retrieved approximately 30 abandoned tires from sandy seabeds, illustrating the extent of human impact on underwater ecosystems. Such findings highlight the need for stricter enforcement of waste management laws and increased public engagement in conservation efforts. Legambiente has pointed out that four infringement procedures are currently underway against Italy for failing to comply with the European Union’s Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (91/271). As a result, the country pays substantial fines every six months, with funds that could otherwise be used to build new wastewater treatment plants. The organization emphasizes that addressing these issues requires immediate action, focusing on root causes rather than merely treating symptoms. With ongoing environmental challenges and limited resources, the path forward involves both legislative reform and community involvement to ensure sustainable water management practices.
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