New technologies can spot pesky leaks in water pipelines
Across Europe, nearly a quarter of water goes to waste
IN JUNE, BLISTERINGLY hot temperatures and a prolonged dry spell plunged much of southern Italy into its worst drought in decades. Water shortages on glitzy Capri became so dire that local authorities temporarily banned ferries from offloading tourists on to the island. A lack of rainfall tells only half the story. Decrepit infrastructure is as much to blame, with over 40% of Capri’s drinking water seeping out through leaks in its pipe network before it reaches customers.
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This article appeared in the Science & technology section of the print edition under the headline “Wasted water”
From the September 28th 2024 edition
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