The Italian island of Capri has lifted a temporary ban on tourist access after resolving a significant water supply issue. The ban was initially imposed by Capri Mayor Paolo Falco due to a technical problem that prevented water from being supplied from the mainland.
The ban, which began early Saturday morning, caused several ferries en route to the island to turn around. The water supply company had identified a disruption in the supply line in Castellammare di Stabia on Thursday, leading to water shortages on the Sorrento peninsula and Capri. Despite the issue being technically resolved, Capri continued to face supply problems.
Mayor Falco declared a 'real emergency situation' as the island's water reservoirs were depleting rapidly. The emergency could have worsened with the arrival of thousands of daily tourists. Residents were allowed to obtain 25 liters of drinking water per household from a tanker, and the ban did not apply to them.
Capri, known for its white villas, scenic coastline, and luxury hotels, has a year-round population of approximately 13,000 residents and attracts numerous tourists, especially in the summer. The island's local reservoirs are currently sustaining the water network, but without mainland supply, these could run out.
The water emergency led to long queues at mainland ports, with many companies refunding tickets or offering alternative tours to destinations like Ischia, Sorrento, or the Amalfi Coast. The Gori company, responsible for the water supply, assured that they are working diligently to resolve the critical issues and restore full service.
- The crisis team was activated, and a restrictive order was issued to manage the situation. The mayor's decree emphasized the impossibility of guaranteeing basic services for thousands of visitors under the current conditions.
- While most parts of the island still have water, a few remote areas, particularly in the municipality of Anacapri, are experiencing shortages. The situation remains tense as local reservoirs continue to feed the network, but their capacity is limited without external supply.
- Capri's water emergency highlights the fragility of the island's infrastructure and the critical importance of reliable supply lines. This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by popular tourist destinations in maintaining essential services amidst fluctuating demands.
