In the heart of the Campania region, the Consorzio di Bonifica di Paestum (Paestum Land Reclamation Consortium) strives every day to mitigate the negative impacts of drought, aware that increasing water reserves is no longer an option, but a necessity. The Consortium is actively engaged in protecting, managing and preserving water, a fundamental resource for the life and development of the entire community. To date, the area covered by the activities includes the Sele reclamation site, comprising the Picentino, Tusciano, Asa, Fuorni, Fiumarella, Capo di Fiumarella and Solofrone basins (including the minor coastal areas to the right and left of the Sele river), as well as the lower part of the Sele basin, from the confluence of the Tanagro river to the sea.

Through a combination of innovative solutions, cutting-edge technologies and in-depth knowledge of the territory, the Paestum Land Reclamation Consortium is committed to ensuring fair and sustainable access to water for all inhabitants and agricultural activities in the region.

From the careful management of water reserves through efficient irrigation systems, to the implementation of water-saving and waste water recycling policies, every action is geared towards maximising the use of available resources without compromising their future availability. The Consortium ensures, through continuous monitoring and maintenance of infrastructure, that water resources are always available even during times of normal conditions, thereby preparing the region for future challenges associated with climate change.

In its constant search for innovative solutions to guarantee a reliable water supply, the Paestum Land Reclamation Consortium recently concluded a number of significant works at the Scigliati plant.

One of the main interventions was the upgrading and modernisation of the existing water infrastructure through the installation of new high-capacity Caprari pumps and the optimisation of distribution systems. These improvements have significantly increased water pumping and distribution capacity, ensuring greater availability for the community and lowering the risk of supply disruptions.

Furthermore, the Consortium has invested in the construction of new water collection and treatment works, better exploiting the resources available in the surrounding area. These new infrastructures have made it possible to expand water supply sources, reducing dependence on single points of withdrawal and ensuring greater system resilience in the long term.

The partnership between the Paestum Land Reclamation Consortium and Caprari, for the implementation of the work at the Scigliati plant, proved crucial in several areas, including the design and implementation of reliable, high-performance solutions. We asked Massimo Melis , Caprari's project manager for the water industry, a few questions to better understand the approach taken in defining the best solutions to provide a tangible response to the growing needs of the local population and businesses.

Can you briefly describe the main aspects of this important and also impressive project in terms of the solutions implemented?

The work carried out by the Consortium included the optimisation of the irrigation network pertaining to the Solofrone river basin through the restructuring of the electromechanical systems of the Scigliati lifting station and the interconnection between the Tempa San Paolo tank network, as well as the Tempa di Lepre tank network in the Ponte Marmoreo area in the municipality of Capaccio Paestum.  Caprari contributed to the project by proposing a plant solution capable of increasing the plant's flow rate by more than 50%, which was achieved by supplying five customised 700 l/sec vertical lineshaft units at a pressure of 100m. The vertical units equipped with 850kW - 6 pole motors are then regulated in inverter operation, thereby ensuring continuity of operation and energy savings.

What approach did Caprari employ to find the best solutions?

After analysing the project and carrying out an on-site inspection, we interviewed the Consortium to understand the actual service requirements of the plant. These activities were crucial in order to present improvements on what was put out to tender. In particular, we proposed the introduction of high-capacity vertical pumps, which significantly increased the water extraction and distribution capacity, ensuring a constant and reliable supply of drinking water for the community, even during periods of high demand or drought.

What are the key features of the products used in this solution?

Thanks to the cooperation with Caprari, the Consortium was able to benefit from customised and made-to-measure solutions. The company's experience and technical expertise have made it possible to carry out focused interventions. These included the optimisation of filtration systems and the upgrading of water treatment infrastructures, guaranteeing the highest quality and safety of the water service. Customised pump units differentiate themselves on the market by their high efficiency not only at the required duty point but over the entire working range, a very low NPSH, extreme reliability and robustness. This solution allowed us to maximise the efficiency of the system and provide a practical response to the growing water needs of the area.

What are the benefits of using Caprari's services and products for the success of a project like this?

Our experience and know-how enables us to become involved in every phase of the work.

During the design phase, the analysis of the characteristics of the existing station was paramount, together with an understanding of the user's service requirements, without neglecting the physical limitations of the pumping station. Whereas during the execution of the work, Caprari directly supported the contractor in the implementation of the work and in the correct execution of the installation of the units, as well as a correct and efficient hydraulic and electrical set-up.

Thanks to these joint efforts, the Paestum Land Reclamation Consortium has achieved tangible results in improving water availability for Scigliati and the surrounding areas. These works represent an important step forward in the direction of water security and environmental sustainability, demonstrating the Consortium's and Caprari's ongoing commitment to ensuring a better future for all through the responsible management of water resources.