Granai della Memoria

Luca Costanzo, born in 1990, has worked for the Est Sesia Irrigation Association for fifteen years, currently serving as area manager for the Candelo and Crocicchio irrigation districts. After graduating as a surveyor, he chose this profession, following in his father's footsteps and drawn to the outdoors. Direct field experience, the transition from manual labor to technological support, and the daily management of the irrigation network have shaped in him a deep understanding of the territory and a strong sense of responsibility.

Costanzo describes an intense and constantly evolving job: from winter maintenance of canals to monitoring and distributing water during irrigation seasons, to managing emergencies related to storms, floods, and droughts. Despite the use of advanced technologies, experience and personal intuition remain essential for preventing damage and responding promptly.

One of the central aspects of his story is the relationship with farmers, often complex during periods of water scarcity, and the need to maintain a network of human relationships and collaboration between colleagues, districts, and utilities. He also addresses the issue of free or discounted water management, inherited from historic agreements, which today pose significant challenges in terms of equity and sustainability.

Finally, Costanzo highlights the environmental impact of waste dumping in canals, the presence of wildlife (coypus, ibis, herons), and the silent but essential value of hydraulic work, often ignored until everything is functioning. For him, caring for water means caring for the land, agriculture, and community safety.