Lake Maggiore: Italy-Switzerland deal for more spring water

Context

In brief

• Maximum level of Lake Maggiore raised to 1.40 meters
• Italy-Switzerland agreement to combat water crisis
• More reserves for summer irrigation

Key facts

• What: Raising the maximum level of Lake Maggiore
• When: Decision made on April 29, 2026
• Where: Lake Maggiore, Italy-Switzerland border
• Who: Po River Basin Authority, Piedmont and Lombardy Regions, Ticino Consortium, Italy-Switzerland Bilateral Body
• Amount: Up to 30 million cubic meters of additional water available

After ten years of experimentation, the raising of the maximum regulation level of Lake Maggiore to 1.40 meters above the zero hydrometric level of Sesto Calende becomes a reality. A decision that directly affects the province of Varese, bathed by both Lake Maggiore and the Ticino River, and could guarantee between 20 and 30 million additional cubic meters of water available during the driest periods — with overall volumes that can reach up to five times higher during the irrigation season. The decision was made on April 29 at the end of the Permanent Institutional Conference, the result of an agreement coordinated by the Po River Basin Authority together with the Piedmont and Lombardy Regions, the Ticino Consortium, the Italy-Switzerland Bilateral Body, and numerous stakeholders.

The maximum allowed level will rise from the current 1.25 meters to a range between 1.35 and 1.40 meters, with the possibility of reaching the highest value in case of low snow cover in the Alps, a condition that is becoming increasingly frequent with climate change. The logic is to accumulate water in the spring season to make it available in the summer months, when irrigation demand is higher and rainfall is scarce. For the Varesotto territory, the reflection is direct: the Ticino, which originates from Lake Maggiore at the height of Sesto Calende, feeds an irrigation network that extends towards Lomellina, the Milanese plain, and the lower Pavese area. More reserves in the lake mean more water for those crops — starting with the rice fields, the first rice-growing area in Europe — during the most critical moments of the summer.

Institutional statements

"Raising the level of Lake Maggiore by up to 15 centimeters is an extraordinary example of how we can and must adapt to climate change," said Alessandro Delpiano, Secretary General of the Po River Basin Authority, emphasizing that the result was achieved "without new works or infrastructures" and "in full respect of hydraulic safety conditions and environmental protection." Satisfaction was also expressed by the Lombardy Region. The assessor for the use of water resources, Massimo Sertori, recalled that Lombardy has been pushing for this experimentation since 2015, and hoped that "at the conclusion of the additional experimental biennium, it will be possible to establish the new levels in an Italo-Swiss agreement" that consolidates the work done. From Piedmont, assessors Matteo Marnati and Paolo Bongioanni spoke of a "concrete sign of support for the agricultural world," guaranteeing at the same time "close monitoring of the areas destined for tourism and bathing" — an aspect relevant also for the Varesotto shores of Lake Maggiore. The president of the Ticino Consortium also expressed satisfaction with the result obtained, emphasizing the urgency of the intervention in light of the current situation: scarcely snow-covered mountain basin and hydroelectric reservoirs at their minimum.

A cross-border dimension

The story has a dimension that goes beyond national borders. Lake Maggiore is more than half Swiss, and any modification to its regulation requires the involvement of the Swiss Confederation through the Italy-Switzerland Bilateral Body. The fact that the agreement has been reached therefore also represents a diplomatic outcome, as well as a technical one. For the province of Varese — which shares over 80 kilometers of shore with Lake Maggiore and through which the Ticino flows before entering Piedmont — the agreement represents an important step forward in the management of water resources.

Operational details

The agreement reached between Italy and Switzerland to raise the maximum level of Lake Maggiore represents a significant step in the management of water resources, especially in a context of climate change and increasing water crisis. This agreement not only increases the availability of water for summer irrigation but also has important implications for tourism and swimming along the lake's shores.

Implications for Agriculture

Raising the lake level by up to 1.40 meters allows for the accumulation of larger amounts of water during spring, making it available in the summer months when irrigation demand is highest. This is particularly important for the rice fields of Lomellina, the Milanese plain, and the lower Pavese area, which represent Europe's first rice-growing sector. Greater water reserves mean greater security for crops during drought periods, reducing the risk of economic losses for farmers.

Impact on Tourism and Swimming

Raising the lake level could also have an impact on tourism and swimming. The Piedmont assessors have guaranteed careful monitoring of the areas designated for these activities, ensuring that the changes do not compromise the safety and quality of tourist experiences. This is particularly relevant for the Varese shores of Lake Maggiore, which attract numerous visitors every year.

Cross-Border Cooperation

The agreement also represents an example of effective cross-border cooperation. More than half of Lake Maggiore is Swiss, and any modification to its regulation requires the involvement of the Swiss Confederation. The fact that the agreement has been reached demonstrates the ability of the two nations to work together to address common challenges, such as water resource management and adaptation to climate change.

Conclusions

Raising the maximum level of Lake Maggiore is an important step to address the water crisis and support agriculture and tourism in the region. The Italy-Switzerland agreement represents a model of cross-border cooperation that could be followed in other similar situations.

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Key points

For cross-border workers and residents along the shores of Lake Maggiore, the agreement reached between Italy and Switzerland to raise the lake's water level represents an opportunity for more sustainable management of water resources. Here's what to do to take advantage of the new provisions and how they might influence daily life.

What to do to take advantage of the new provisions

1. Stay informed about the new rules: Make sure you're up-to-date on the new provisions regarding the lake's water level and how they might affect agricultural and tourist activities in your area. You can find updated information on the Po River Basin Authority's website or on the websites of the regions involved.

2. Contact local authorities: If you're a farmer or a tourist operator, contact local authorities to understand how the new provisions might affect your activities and what measures might be necessary to adapt to the changes.

3. Participate in awareness initiatives: Take part in awareness and training initiatives organized by local authorities or industry associations to better understand how to manage water resources sustainably.

How the new provisions influence daily life

The new provisions might influence daily life in various ways. For example, the rise in the lake's water level could improve water availability for irrigation, reducing the risk of drought and improving crop quality. Moreover, a higher lake level could offer new opportunities for tourism and swimming, attracting more visitors and improving the local economy.

Useful tools

To delve deeper into the new provisions and understand how they might influence your daily life, you can use various online tools. For example, you can consult the water resources calculator to understand how the new provisions might affect water availability in your area. Additionally, you can use the water resources comparator to compare water availability in different areas of the lake.

In conclusion, the agreement reached between Italy and Switzerland to raise the water level of Lake Maggiore represents an opportunity for more sustainable management of water resources. Take advantage of it to improve your quality of life and contribute to environmental sustainability.

Source: varesenews.it