Water Parasites: Investigating the Mismanagement of Regional Water Sources in Rome and Istanbul

In Rome, the Italian multinational utility company ACEA is depleting local water sources, engaging in predatory behaviour against vulnerable communities. The investigation showed how the company's new projects, while using EU funds, might worsen the effects of climate change on local springs. In Turkey, Istanbul's water needs largely rely on unsustainable water policies and decades-long failed projects, which have displaced thousands. Meanwhile, unregulated industries, mines, and other development plans are allowed to drain and pollute local water reserves.

As part of this comparative investigation, the project reports on the impact of water mismanagement in Rome and Istanbul by collecting data and documents and conducting extensive fieldwork among local communities to understand the regional social and environmental impact of big cities’ water mismanagement. 

The project highlights the schemes that multinational water companies, mining, and dam projects are putting in place to exploit regional water sources, endangering the water security of entire regions.

Short description of the article published on The Black Sea: 

Ten years ago, Turkey's Melen Dam project evicted thousands from their homes to provide water to Istanbul. It remains mired in delays. This story investigates the consequences of Istanbul's quest for water, focusing on displaced people, expropriated villages, and the broken promises of the second-biggest dam initiative in Turkey.

Photo by Bradley Secker/Federico Ambrosini