A year with Sidra: water savings, fight against illegal connections, and digital services for Catania

It has been a year since the new Board of Directors of Sidra S.p.A. was established, the municipally-owned company of Catania engaged in the management of the water service, and the results achieved testify to a path of commitment, innovation, and attention to the community. The president of Sidra, lawyer Mario Di Mulo, provided an update on the situation by reflecting on last year: "When the mayor of Catania, Enrico Trantino, proposed that I lead Sidra S.p.A., I felt the great responsibility towards the citizens. I decided to put all my willpower and all of myself into this adventure, confident in the teamwork with the other members of the Board of Directors, lawyer Vincenzo De Meo and Dr. Martina Bucisca. The results achieved are the fruit of this synergy because alone, one does not go anywhere." Among the main merits of this year stands out the project “Recovery of Water Losses”, which involved a strategic portion of the network in San Giovanni La Punta. The interventions led to a significant reduction in water input into the network, with a decrease in flow rates from 85 to 55 liters per second, equivalent to about 35%, and a saving of over 90 cubic meters of water per hour, corresponding to one pool recovered every hour. The estimated economic benefit is at least 300 thousand euros per year. "These results demonstrate how targeted investments, technical expertise, and constant monitoring can produce tangible and immediate benefits for the territory, protecting the environment and public finances. Thanks also to the work of the offices, our technicians, and workers, we have had a drastic reduction in service disruptions compared to 2024, with about a 75% decrease," commented Di Mulo. Another key point is the intensification of controls against illegal connections. In collaboration with the legal offices, Sidra has strengthened control operations and the disconnection of supplies for non-compliant users, including commercial activities and condominiums. "Illegal connections represent an antisocial behavior that jeopardizes the entire water network and harms honest citizens – the president emphasized – The company is committed to ensuring legality, protection of resources, and a fair service for all. We are available to dialogue with users in difficulty, offering installment options and support, because we believe in dialogue and respect for current regulations." Sidra has introduced some digital services: a booking system and management of administrative practices via PEC at the address sidraspa@pec.it, a novelty that ensures greater speed by reducing the need for physical travel. The company has also adopted online platforms to consult invoices and consumption and created the K-Reader app, which allows users to send self-readings and photos of the meter directly from their mobile phones.

"Our goal is to provide a high-performing, efficient, and sustainable service, contributing to the economic development of the area. For example, we are working to improve the network in the industrial zone, to attract new investments and promote the growth of businesses. As a father, my dream is that future generations can live in an area capable of attracting and supporting large investments without having to leave home. By improving the basic conditions, we will succeed."

Sidra and the commitment to new generations

Sidra S.p.A. this year has reaffirmed its commitment to new generations with educational initiatives aimed at students. The company has been present in primary and secondary schools with projects aimed at water-saving culture and environmental sustainability, raising awareness among young people about the proper use of water and the reduction of single-use plastics.

"It has been inspiring to see the enthusiasm of the kids and their desire to learn more about the water cycle and strategies to preserve it" commented president Mario Di Mulo.

There has also been collaboration with the University of Catania: students from the Master's degree program in Civil Engineering for Water and Transport visited the drinking water production plants (Pozzo Turchio) in Aci Sant'Antonio, an opportunity to delve into topics such as urban water service management, the operation of Water Houses, and the high quality standards adopted by the company.

"For the future engineers – said the president – it was a unique educational experience, which allowed them to learn about the cutting-edge technologies used to ensure the quality of the water that reaches the homes of Catania's citizens."

These are just some of the initiatives by Sidra that reaffirms its leading role in promoting a culture of conscious consumption, investing in the future and in young generations, so that they can become responsible citizens and environmentally conscious.