A striking series of photographs by Puglian photographer Domenico Belfiore captures the severe drought affecting agriculture in the Foggiano region, particularly at Lake Capaccioti in Cerignola.

Instead of a vast expanse of water, the lake now shows only green patches, highlighting the dire consequences of water scarcity.

Italy faces a critical water crisis, with the country wasting an alarming 8 billion cubic meters of water annually.

Despite being one of the lowest investors in water infrastructure in Europe, Italy consumes more water than most EU countries, trailing only Greece and Ireland.

This year has seen extreme drought in the south and flooding in the north, further complicating the water management situation.

The juxtaposition of drought and flooding underscores the urgent need for better water conservation practices in Italy.