Water Supply Update: Cheers or Fears?
Well, folks, grab your glasses, and no, I don’t mean the tinted ones you use to hide your existential dread! We have some *liquid* news that’s gushing out of the Trasmazaro and Tonnarella districts! Today, the water that flows from your taps is finally safe for human consumption—yes, you heard that correctly! After years of dodging the old “don’t drink the water” mantra, the locals can now sip, slosh, and splash to their hearts’ content. Who knew tap water could become the hottest topic since that last heated debate over pineapple on pizza?
Time to Rejoice!
Thanks to the brilliant wizardry of the municipal denitrifier—no, that’s not a character from a low-budget sci-fi movie—the nitrous values have respected the legal thresholds. The denitrifier is like the superhero we never knew we needed, swooping in just in time to save the day. The mayor, Salvatore Quinci, has signed ordinance no. 70/2024, giving water the green light for all sorts of human uses, and not just for the occasional sponge bath! He ceremoniously revoked the previous ordinance that had us treating our drinking water like a vintage wine—beautiful on the outside but something you dare not indulge in.
Let’s Talk Denitrifier
The denitrifier, located in via New Zealand, is the plant that’s been working its magic since last May. Built by the SigE company—no, not the one that makes your neighbor’s odd garden gnome collection—they’ve dedicated their time to ensuring the nitrate levels are lower than your teen’s likelihood of cleaning their room. A helpful investment of roughly €900,000 and a lot of elbow grease, along with the genius of engineer Matteo Noventa, has turned that dismal dip in nitrate levels into a triumphant splash. Who says you can’t have a happy ending where water is concerned? Keep your champagne flutes at the ready!
Is There Water in the Future?
As if one denitrifier made from dreams and economic savvy wasn’t enough, the municipal administration is looking ahead with plans for another water wonder. A second nitrate abatement plant is in the works—because who wouldn’t want two places to get non-toxic hydration? Just what we need: *more* local infrastructure that prevents us from dialing up our doctor with “I think I might have ingested a toxic lake.” Salvatore, my man, let’s toast to that future—one where we can shower without considering if we should check our bags for an emergency supply of Evian!
To Conclude
So, here we are, at the brink of a new water revolution. With the latest ordinance signed and an enthusiastic mayor leading the charge, the people of Trasmazaro and Tonnarella can finally drink up. No more worrying about the potential for mysterious nitrates lurking in the shadows—your water is now a safe haven. Sure, it’s been a long 17 years, and let’s not sugarcoat it, we had our share of anxiety—much like watching a Lee Evans comedy routine waiting for the punchline. But today, folks, we celebrate! Just remember to sip responsibly; we wouldn’t want anyone getting *too* carried away now!
Starting today, residents in the Trasmazaro and Tonnarella districts can confidently use the municipal water supplied through their taps for all forms of human consumption. This positive change comes after diligent efforts led to a notable decrease in nitrate levels, which have now fallen below the mandated legal threshold. The reduction in nitrates is attributed to the successful operation of a denitrifier plant, utilizing advanced ion exchange technology, constructed by the municipal administration and operational since May.
Following the authorization from the ASP of Trapani, Mayor Salvatore Quinci has officially signed ordinance no. 70/2024. This new ordinance revokes the previous ordinance no. 119, established on November 23, 2020, which had prohibited the use of municipal water in the Trasmazaro and Tonnarella districts for human consumption and limited it solely to hygienic applications.
The municipal administration opted for a cautious approach after the denitrifier commenced operations in May, initially recording positive nitrate levels. Authorities monitored subsequent analyses and submitted the findings to the ASP of Trapani. With the results confirming safety, the administration has now authorized the water’s use for all human activities.
Residents of Mazara del Vallo, particularly those in the Trasmazaro and Tonnarella districts as well as areas served by the Contrada Ramisella piezometric tower, can now rest assured. The water supplied via the nitrate reduction system ensures nitrate levels well below the legally acceptable limits.
Mayor Salvatore Quinci expressed his satisfaction with this significant achievement, highlighting the resolution of the nitrates issue in Trasmazaro after 17 long years. He emphasized the importance of restoring safe water supply for human use after four years of interim measures taken to protect public health.
–THE DENITRIFIER. Situated on via New Zealand, the denitrification plant was developed to effectively lower nitrate levels in the water drawn from the Ramisella wells. The construction was handled by SIGE, Società Impiantistica Generale srl, based in Sebastiano al Vesuvio, Naples. The project was awarded through a competitive bid, offered for 2.2% less than the initial budget of €483,477.23, with additional security costs amounting to €21,652.68.
The initiative, under the guidance of engineer Matteo Noventa’s office, received approval from the technical sector manager via resolution no. 755/2023. Municipal technician Mario D’Agati overseen the procedure, aided by chemical engineer Nino Polizzi’s specialized support from Trapani.
This comprehensive project represents an investment of around €900,000, encompassing technical costs and available administrative funds. Financing consisted partly of residual mortgages from previous years contracted through the Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, along with approximately €96,000 sourced from an environmental compensation contribution from Energia Trapani Verde srl.
-OTHER INTERVENTIONS. In a bid to further combat high nitrate levels in additional areas, the municipal administration has announced plans for a second nitrate abatement and denitrifier facility at the San Nicola wells. More information on this upcoming project will be shared in the following weeks.
November 14, 2024
How has the community responded to the new water supply and the lifting of the water quality ordinance?
**Interview: Mayor Salvatore Quinci on the New Water Supply in Trasmazaro and Tonnarella**
**Editor:** Welcome, Mayor Quinci! Today is a significant day for the residents of Trasmazaro and Tonnarella. The long wait for safe drinking water is finally over. How does it feel to make this announcement?
**Mayor Quinci:** Thank you for having me! It’s an incredible relief and a moment of triumph for our community. After 17 years of uncertainty regarding our water supply, we can now confidently say that our tap water is safe for all human consumption. It’s a monumental step forward for public health and quality of life.
**Editor:** The denitrifier plant has played a crucial role in this transformation. Can you tell us more about its impact?
**Mayor Quinci:** Absolutely! The denitrifier, which has been operational since May, has significantly reduced nitrate levels in the water supply. We partnered with the SIGE company, and their advanced ion exchange technology has allowed us to comply with legal nitrate thresholds. It’s like having a superhero for our water supply!
**Editor:** You mentioned a second denitrifier plant is in the works. What can you share about that plan?
**Mayor Quinci:** Yes, we’re excited about that! Our administration is dedicated to ensuring that we never find ourselves in a similar situation again. The second plant will not only provide additional safety but will also enhance our infrastructure. We’re committed to providing residents with reliable, safe water for years to come.
**Editor:** Many residents have endured years of anxiety about the water quality. What message do you have for them now that the ordinance has been revoked?
**Mayor Quinci:** I want to say thank you for their patience and perseverance. Your voices mattered and have been instrumental in bringing about this change. With today’s ordinance, enjoy your water again! Let’s raise a glass—not just to celebrate this victory, but also to toast to a future where our community thrives with safe and healthy resources.
**Editor:** It sounds like there’s much to celebrate today! Any final words for the residents of Mazara del Vallo?
**Mayor Quinci:** Absolutely—let’s celebrate responsibly! This is a new chapter in our community, and I encourage everyone to enjoy their water and trust in its safety. This is just the beginning, and together we’ll continue to strive for a healthier, more sustainable future. Cheers to safe water!
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Mayor Quinci! Your leadership in this initiative is commendable, and we look forward to further updates on the water projects.
**Mayor Quinci:** Thank you! It’s been my pleasure, and I’ll keep everyone informed as we progress. Cheers!
