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Bathing in the Tiber could become a reality for Roman residents and visitors by 2032. Capitoline Hill has begun the operational phase of a significant river restoration project, with the goal of structurally improving water quality and making certain portions of the metropolitan stretch swimmable. The timeline for the works has been established by the interinstitutional technical committee meeting at Capitoline Hill. The works will commence in 2027 with a discharge inventory, monitoring, and hydraulic studies. The restoration works will be completed between 2028 and 2031, and the first pilot areas will be operational in 2031. The project concentrates on the stretch between Ponte Milvio and Ponte dell'Industria and attempts to identify and decrease the primary sources of pollution, thereby enhancing the river's environmental quality and accessibility to inhabitants. The proposal is estimated to be valued over €400 million in total. €130 million is already available, with €90 million committed by Acea through the Integrated Water Service, €20 million provided by Rome Capital to the Linear River Park, and an additional €10 million allocated with the most recent budget adjustment. Additional funding is being provided by the Lazio Region for the Tiber’s flood protection and the Aniene River Contract. Acea will coordinate technical activities and operational actions. Scientific monitoring will also play an important role: water quality data from research institutes and organizations will be collected and disseminated via the SIITA platform, making information available to citizens. The ultimate goal is to restore Rome's Tiber to a cleaner, safer, and more livable state, with some portions of the river open for bathing by 2032.
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