Capri faces water shortage: impact on visitors and residents

Capri Island Facing Unprecedented Water Emergency

The beautiful island of Capri is currently going through a tough time due to a severe water emergency, causing immense disruption to tourists, residents, and workers.
The lack of water supply has led to the need to restrict access to the island until the necessary work is completed to ensure water supply.
Efforts have been made to tackle the issue, and the situation is expected to improve soon.
However, the current water shortage has posed significant challenges for the islanders.

Challenges Faced by Residents and Tourists

Residents, understandably affected by the water emergency during this weekend of intense heat, are not the only ones feeling the impact.
Tourists, as well as restaurant and hotel owners, are currently under exceptional stress.
To alleviate the situation, local authorities have swiftly intervened to limit access to the island until the water emergency is resolved.

Defining these access rules took into account the needs of the various individuals arriving on the island, who will now find themselves on a Capri with limited water supply, except for the minimum provided by the existing tanks on the island.
Given that Capri is one of the most sought-after destinations at this time of year, the concerns are entirely understandable.

Access Restrictions Due to Water Emergency

Today, June 22nd, Mayor Paolo Falco issued an ordinance regulating access to the island in light of the water emergency.
The measure was confirmed later in the afternoon to address the rapid depletion of water supply from the island’s tanks.
Effective from 3:00 PM on Saturday, June 22nd, access to Capri is only granted to:

• Island residents;
• Customers with proof of accommodation bookings showing sufficient water resources in the lodging facility;
• Law enforcement personnel;
• Healthcare workers;
• Transport operators;
• Employees of companies operating on the island;
• Public administration staff.

Access is primarily denied to tourists who have not booked accommodation on Capri and are merely passing through.
Mayor Francesco Cerrotta of Anacapri also issued a similar ordinance, emphasizing the need for attention until the water supply issues are resolved.

Reasons for the Water Shortage on Capri

The water emergency stemmed from a pipeline fault on June 20th affecting the supply to the Sorrento Peninsula and Capri, specifically near the State Road 145.
The managing company, Gori, identified the issue and assured a swift resolution.
It is reported that the underwater pipeline for Capri has been refilled, allowing a gradual restoration of services starting from 6:00 PM today.

Although the territorial manager of Gori met with the mayors of Capri and Anacapri and the prefect of Naples this morning, there is still uncertainty about officially declaring the end of the emergency.
The situation remains delicate, and the full restoration of the damaged pipeline is yet to be confirmed, requiring further patience.

Naples has shown solidarity with the islanders, with the Tourism and Productive Activities Councilor Teresa Armato being in contact with Capri’s hotels to accommodate tourists if needed, minimizing any inconvenience for guests.
However, there is currently no imminent need for such measures.

According to Gori, the water emergency is expected to be resolved soon, allowing Capri to welcome tourists back to its shores.