by InTrieste
The city of Trieste has launched a significant initiative to reduce water losses and enhance its water supply infrastructure. This effort is part of a broader regional strategy, supported by a €37.4 million investment from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR).
Construction has commenced in four key areas: Viale D’Annunzio, via Montfort, Galleria Sandrinelli, and via del Coroneo. The aim is to modernize the city’s aging water pipelines, reducing water loss by 13 percent and ensuring a more efficient and sustainable water supply system.
Funding and Collaboration
The project to address water loss in Friuli-Venezia Giulia’s aqueduct systems is led by Ausir FVG, the region’s Single Authority for Water and Waste Services. It has secured €37.4 million in funding from the PNRR, highlighting the importance of water conservation in the region’s sustainability efforts.
A coalition of water management entities—Cafc, Livenza Tagliamento Acque, HydroGEA, AcegasApsAmga, Irisacqua, Acquedotto Poiana, and Acquedotto del Carso—has formed the “Smart Water Management FVG” network. This collaborative effort focuses on digitalization and reducing distribution losses across the system.
Operational Phase
The project has now entered its operational phase, marked by the opening of construction sites across Trieste. These sites support projects focused on digitalization, modeling, pressure management, and asset management, all working together to reduce losses, minimize energy consumption, and improve supply conditions.
Michele Babuder, Councillor for Territorial Policies of Trieste, and Giovanni Piccoli, Director of Networks at AcegasApsAmga, presented details of the construction sites and their expected benefits in a press conference at the Sansovino Gallery.
“The reduction of water losses is crucial for improving resource efficiency and ensuring sustainable water management,” Mr. Babuder said. “Today, we present our joint commitment to responsible management to guarantee an efficient and reliable service.”
Mr. Piccoli noted the project’s progress and long-term benefits, despite short-term inconveniences. “We are aware that the construction sites will cause some inconvenience, but they will bring significant benefits in terms of water savings, reduced consumption, and infrastructure resilience.”
Construction Plans
- Viale D’Annunzio: The project involves replacing an old cast iron pipeline with new spheroidal cast iron pipes over a 240-meter stretch. Work began in early July and is expected to conclude by the end of September.
- Via Montfort: A new DN 100 GHS pipeline will replace existing pipes along Via Principe di Montfort and Via Napoleone Bonaparte. This project, which began on July 8, includes rehabilitating ten aqueduct branches and is slated for completion by the end of September. Traffic will be managed with alternating single lanes and traffic controllers during critical phases.
- Galleria Sandrinelli: Using “no-dig” relining technology, this project will rehabilitate the pipeline within Galleria Sandrinelli. The work is divided into three phases, starting with the replacement of two water pipes and the temporary closure of Via Madonnina for 15 days. The second phase includes cleaning and video inspection of the pipes, while the final phase involves five excavations to be determined post-inspection. This phase starts in October and concludes by the end of the month.
- Via del Coroneo: A new pipeline will be laid to replace the current one, with work beginning in mid-July and expected to finish by mid-September. Lane narrowing will ensure traffic flow during construction.
Technological Solutions
The “Smart Water Management” project incorporates several innovative technologies to enhance the water network. Smart meters will be installed to monitor water usage and detect leaks in real-time. Advanced tools will precisely locate and repair leaks, optimizing service and supporting operational staff.
The project also involves reducing network pressure to the minimum necessary to limit losses and prevent waste. Special algorithms using artificial intelligence and machine learning will analyze historical and current data to predict future losses and network issues, enabling proactive management.
District metering areas will be extended throughout the region to monitor water flow in real-time, ensuring efficient management and immediate response to any discrepancies.
Interviews: Giovanni Piccoli, Director of Networks at AcegasApsAmga and Michele Babuder, Councillor for Territorial Policies of Trieste.
