For the first time in over two thousand years of history, Castellammare of Stabia, the historical Stabiae of which Pliny celebrated the miraculous properties of its mineral waters, is faced with a paradox.
Acqua della Madonna, one of twenty different sources that flow in just 600 meters, was for decades one of the symbols of the city together with Acidula. This special water, slightly sparkling and with a unique taste, also flowed from the taps of families in the historic center of Stabia.
However, in the last two years, the bankruptcy of the Terme di Stabia and the closure of the Antiche Terme have added another sad page to the history of Castellammare: the Acqua della Madonna is now contaminated and can no longer be drunk.
High levels of radon and nickel make it dangerous for health. Since 2021, distribution has been suspended and even the analyses repeated several times until June 7th did not allow the ASL Napoli 3 Sud to revoke the ban.
Giovanni Russo, general director of the ASL, - as reported by Il Mattino - explained that it is not currently possible to restore the use of water due to contamination. "We are here to discuss it, but at the moment we must guarantee the health of citizens", added Russo, until the contamination problem is definitively resolved. The replacement of the worn pipes has eliminated only the sand residues, but not the radon that exceeded the limits.
According to experts, a possible solution could come from sampling and drilling all the existing springs in Castellammare. This would require a comprehensive management of the sources, as the Romans did, rather than just replacing the fountains. Removing gases from mineral waters would mean transforming them into simple drinking water.
Giovanni Talarico, professor of Industrial Chemistry at the Federico II University of Naples, emphasized how the radon problem is linked to the new limits imposed by law in 2016. He also highlighted the importance of carrying out surveys on the chemical composition of water and intervening on the sources to protect them.
Luigi Vicinanza, journalist and president of the Mav of Ercolano, believes that the intervention of the university could be the key to solving the problem. With the arrival of funding for the restoration of the Ancient Baths, it is essential to also foresee the costs of ordinary maintenance to avoid further delays.
During the event, several members of the audience shared their nostalgia for the contaminated water, expressing concerns and bitter reflections. One of the interviewees also pointed out that today the youth of Stabia no longer recognize water as an identity symbol of Castellammare.
Article published on 21 October 2023 - 09:46
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