Growing Tensions in Europe Over Agricultural Water Use and Storage Solutions

Water management and storage systems have become contentious issues in southern European countries, sparking protests in France regarding water reserves designated for agricultural use. Activists are mobilizing support, extending their reach to the Venice lagoon in northern Italy.

During her reelection speech as head of the European Commission on July 18, Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the need for a “sustainable water management strategy” aimed at better preparing farmers for climate change impacts.

In response to ongoing water shortages, droughts, and unpredictable rainfall, the EU Council’s Strategic Agenda for 2024-2029 has committed to enhancing water resilience and investing in large-scale cross-border infrastructure, specifically in water systems.

This development, however, has led to significant public opposition. On the same day as von der Leyen’s speech in Strasbourg, thousands protested in the Marais Poitevin region in western France against the construction of ‘mega-basins’—large open-air reservoirs designed to ensure farmers have consistent water access.

Organizers of the demonstrations, known as les Soulèvements de la terre, are planning a water convoy titled ‘From the Marais Poitevin to the Venice Lagoon’ in September, seeking to draw attention to both mega-basins and water pollution issues in Italy’s Veneto region.

‘Mega-basins’ Spark Controversy

These mega-basins capture and store rainwater and can draw groundwater during dry periods. Critics argue that this practice undermines the wetland ecosystem, contributing to its deterioration.

As climate change accelerates warming, Mediterranean countries, including southern Europe, face urgent challenges related to water management. Notably, Italy collects over 10% of its rainfall, and Spain captures as much as 20%, whereas France gathers only 1.7%.

Water management strategies vary by country; Spain primarily relies on embalses, large freshwater reservoirs replenished differently than France’s mega-basins. In Spain and many French regions, reservoirs are generally sourced from rivers or surface water, according to Laurence Marandola, a spokesperson for the Confédération Paysanne.

In Italy, farming unions such as Coldiretti and CIA-Agricoltori Italiani have proposed creating water basins that would solely rely on rainwater recovery and river diversion during wet seasons, while integrating floating solar panels for electricity generation.

Hill reservoirs are another common method in Europe, capturing rainwater runoff. The mega-basins represent a “French peculiarity,” as Marandola noted, necessary in the Poitevin marshlands due to the lack of rivers.

Impact of Water Storage in Spain

Despite their advantages, embalses in Spain face limitations. Studies reveal they struggle to reach full capacity during summer months, only hitting 50% capacity in 2023. The same trend is evident in Portugal and Italy, where storage systems are rapidly expanding.

Julia Martínez, technical director at the Fundación Nueva Cultura del Agua, highlights the negative impact of altering riverbeds, which can flood valleys on one side and lead to severe droughts on the other, creating stress on rivers and aquifers. This exacerbates water supply issues in urban areas.

While public funds finance the mega-basins in France, the water accessibility tends to favor a small number of individuals, according to Marandola. In Spain, public authorities still manage the reservoirs, though private “irrigation basins” are also prevalent and lack regulatory oversight. Farmers often tap into groundwater resources.

Activists stress that water is a “common good” and should not be monopolized. Emma Fourreau, a member of the European Parliament and supporter of the protests, called for an end to the agro-industrial model that prioritizes water for a select few while criticizing the agricultural practices that perpetuate water-intensive crop production.

Italian union Coldiretti has raised concerns about the loss of 89% of rainwater annually, labeling it a critical waste in a nation facing desertification challenges and water shortages. Both Coldiretti and the French farmers’ union FNSEA advocate for improved infrastructure to enhance freshwater collection.