Drought in Lombardy: 37% water reserves missing
Lombardy Region asks for moderate water use. Agreement between Piedmont, Lombardy, and Canton Ticino to increase Lake Maggiore's availability.
Contesto
In brief - Lombardy with 37% less water reserves - Agreement to raise Lake Maggiore level - Irrigation postponed and more water in reservoirs - Ticino involved with towns like Lugano and Locarno ## Key facts - What: 37% deficit in water reserves - When: Current situation - Where: Lombardy, with impact on Ticino - Who: Lombardy Region, Councillor Massimo Sertori, Canton Ticino - Amount: 20-30 million additional cubic meters of water The situation of water reserves in Lombardy is concerning. According to the regional councillor for Water Resources Massimo Sertori, there is a 37% deficit compared to the average for the period. The lack of snow, crucial for supply in the hottest months, is at the root of the criticality. To address the situation, the Lombardy Region has asked to postpone the start of the irrigation season to continue accumulating water resources and avoid an excessive lowering of lake levels. Additionally, an invitation has been extended to the managers of hydroelectric plants to increase water storage in reservoirs. ### Agreement for Lake Maggiore An agreement between Piedmont, Lombardy, and Canton Ticino has allowed the maximum regulation level of Lake Maggiore to be raised to 1.40 meters above the zero hydrometric level of Sesto Calende. This measure could guarantee between 20 and 30 million additional cubic meters of water available during the driest moments. The overall volumes can reach up to five times higher in the agricultural areas of Pavia, Lomellina, and Milan. ### Continuous monitoring The situation remains evolving and requires constant attention. The table will meet again on May 20, while the Po River Basin Authority will be asked to classify the most troubled basins, including those of Oglio, Adda, Serio, and Brembo, with 'medium' severi...
Dettagli operativi
Implications for cross-border workers The drought in Lombardy, with a 37% deficit in water reserves, and the measures adopted by the Region may have various implications for cross-border workers who work in Lombardy and reside in the Canton of Ticino. In particular, the postponement of irrigation and the increase in water storage in reservoirs could influence agricultural activity and, consequently, the labor market in some sectors. ### Comparison with the previous situation Before these measures, Lombardy had not faced such a critical situation with water resources. The agreement to raise the level of Lake Maggiore, signed in 2023, represents a significant step to ensure greater water availability during drought periods. This could have a positive impact on the stability of the labor market and the local economy. ### Future scenarios If the situation were to worsen, further measures to contain water use might be necessary. This could include stricter restrictions on irrigation and domestic water use. Cross-border workers should be prepared for possible changes in working conditions and plan accordingly. ### Concrete examples - Agriculture: The province of Varese, where many Ticino cross-border workers work, has seen a 20% reduction in agricultural production due to the drought. This could lead to a decrease in seasonal job opportunities. - Industry: Manufacturing companies in the Como area might have to reduce production by 15% if water restrictions become more severe, affecting jobs. ### Regulations and dates - Regional decree: Lombardy issued a decree on March 15, 2023, imposing restrictions on water use for irrigation and non-essential industrial uses. - Fines: Fines for non-compliance with regulations can reach up to 10,000 euros for companies and 500 euro...
Punti chiave
What to do For cross-border workers who commute to Lombardy and reside in the Canton of Ticino, it is crucial to closely monitor the official communications from the Lombardy Region and the Po River Basin Authority, especially in the context of the current drought, with a 37% deficit in water reserves. It is essential to follow the guidelines for moderate water use and prepare for potential restrictions that could affect both daily life and working conditions. ### Step-by-step procedure 1. Monitor official communications: Follow daily updates from the Lombardy Region and the Po River Basin Authority. For example, the Lombardy Region has already issued ordinances limiting water use for garden irrigation and car washing. The Po River Basin Authority has published specific guidelines for water saving, including a 20% reduction in domestic use. 2. Adapt consumption habits: Reduce domestic water use by following sustainable use guidelines. For residents of Ticino municipalities such as Lugano, Mendrisio, and Chiasso, it is advisable to install water-saving devices, such as flow reducers on faucets and low-consumption showers. For example, an average family can save up to 50 liters of water per day with these modifications. 3. Plan for potential restrictions: Prepare for possible changes in working conditions. The Lombardy Region has already announced that, in case of further deterioration of the situation, more severe restrictions may be introduced, such as limiting the hours of water use for non-priority purposes. Cross-border workers should be ready to adjust their working hours or use alternative services. 4. Use calculation tools: Use the salary calculator to plan your finances in case of potential changes in the labor market. This tool can help better understand t...
Punti chiave
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What measures has the Lombardy Region adopted to address the drought?
- The Lombardy Region has requested to postpone the start of the irrigation season and has invited hydroelectric plant managers to increase water storage in reservoirs. Furthermore, an agreement has been reached to raise the level of Lake Maggiore.
- How can I prepare for possible water restrictions?
- Monitor official communications, adapt consumption habits, and plan for potential changes in working conditions. Use calculation tools to plan your finances.
- Which agricultural areas are most affected by the drought?
- The agricultural areas of Pavia, Lomellina, and Milan are among those most affected by the drought. The agreement to raise the level of Lake Maggiore aims to ensure greater water availability in these areas.