Legambiente technicians and volunteers recently took samples to test the water quality in Tuscany and found that 60% of samples exceeded the safe legal limits in terms of pollution. The only river in the region where the quality of water has improved is the Arno.
Along the northern coast of the region, many of the rivers flowing into the sea are ‘heavily microbiologically polluted’. E. coli and intestinal enterococci were found, above legal amounts, both of which can be dangerous to humans.
In Northern Tuscany, the rivers most affected flow into the sea near the following areas: Carrara, Massa, Montignoso, Pietrasanta, and Camaiore.
The water quality has also deteriorated on Elba, primarily at Capoliveri/ Mola and at Marciana Marina port.
Goletta Verde, who carried out the tests, said that ‘improving and making purification plants and sewerage systems more efficient is the goal we must pursue.’ It is also noted, however, that such measures will not protect against waste illegally dumped.
