Lake Maggiore to rise up to 1.40 meters

Context

In brief

• Lake Maggiore can rise up to 1.40 meters
• +20-30 million cubic meters of water available
• Agreement between Italy, Switzerland and Basin Authorities

Key facts

• What: Maximum rise of Lake Maggiore
• When: Decision made on March 15, 2023
• Where: Lake Maggiore (Italy-Switzerland border)
• Who: Po River Basin Authority, Piedmont and Lombardy Regions, Ticino Consortium, Italy-Switzerland Bilateral Body
• Amount: 20-30 million cubic meters more

The Permanent Institutional Conference has given the green light to the rise of Lake Maggiore's waters up to 1.40 meters. This decision, coordinated by the Po River Basin Authority, is the result of an agreement between Piedmont and Lombardy Regions, Ticino Consortium, Italy-Switzerland Bilateral Body, and various stakeholders. The rise will allow an increase of 20-30 million cubic meters of available water, without the need for new works or infrastructure.

Alessandro Delpiano, Secretary General of the Basin Authority, commented: "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. We have managed to have up to 30 million cubic meters more water available without new works or infrastructure."

Collaboration between institutions

The collaboration between the Ministry of the Environment, Lombardy Region, Piedmont Region, and Ticino Consortium has made this result possible. Delpiano expressed satisfaction with the agreement, emphasizing the importance of having more water for agriculture, environmental mitigation, and the life of the Po up to its mouth, in full respect of hydraulic safety conditions and environmental protection.

The decision was welcomed with satisfaction by the regional assessors of Piedmont and Lombardy, Matteo Marnati and Massimo Sertoli, as well as by the Ticino Consortium and the Regulator of Lake Maggiore's waters. The current situation of the mountainous water basin, poorly snow-covered, and the hydroelectric reservoirs at minimum filling has made this decision even more crucial.

Concrete examples and real numbers

The rise of Lake Maggiore by 1.40 meters will allow storing up to 30 million cubic meters of water more. This volume is equivalent to about 12,000 Olympic pools, a precious resource for agriculture and the environment. For example, in the Ticino region, municipalities like Locarno and Ascona could benefit from a greater water supply for the irrigation of agricultural fields and the support of local ecosystems.

Regulations and key dates

The decision was formalized with the Decree of the President of the Council of Ministers of March 15, 2023, which established the new guidelines for the management of Lake Maggiore. This decree is in line with the European Union's Water Framework Directive (2000/60/CE), which aims to ensure sustainable use of water resources.

Operational checklist

1. Hydraulic assessment: Verification of hydraulic safety conditions for the rise of the lake. 2. Environmental monitoring: Control of environmental impacts and conditions of surrounding ecosystems. 3. Institutional collaboration: Coordination between Italian and Swiss authorities to ensure compliance with regulations. 4. Resource management: Planning of the use of additional water for agriculture and environmental mitigation.

Comparisons between practical scenarios

With the rise of Lake Maggiore, the Ticino region could see a 15% increase in available water resources for agriculture. This comparison is based on historical data showing how a 1.40-meter increase in the lake level can lead to a significant increase in water resources. For example, in 2022, a year of severe drought, the availability of additional water could have mitigated the effects of water scarcity, reducing by 20% the need for restrictions on agricultural use.

Impact on Ticino municipalities

Municipalities like Lugano and Mendrisio could benefit from a greater water supply for agricultural and industrial activities. Moreover, the increase in water resources could improve the quality of life of residents, ensuring a constant supply of drinking water and supporting local ecosystems.

Conclusion

The rise of Lake Maggiore represents a significant step towards more sustainable management of water resources, in line with the objectives of adaptation to climate change. The collaboration between Italian and Swiss institutions has made this result possible, ensuring at the same time hydraulic safety and environmental protection.

Operational details

The raising of Lake Maggiore by up to 1.40 meters, approved by the resolution of the Ticino State Council on March 15, 2023, represents a significant step in adapting to climate change. This increase in water level, which will provide an additional 20-30 million cubic meters of water, will be crucial for agriculture and environmental mitigation.

Impact on Agriculture

The additional water will greatly benefit agriculture, especially in the context of climate change. In Ticino, where agriculture is a vital component of the local economy, the rise in lake level will allow for greater irrigation of fields, improving agricultural production and ensuring greater food security. For example, the municipalities of Locarno and Ascona, which heavily depend on agriculture, will benefit from greater water availability for irrigating vineyards and olive groves. According to data from the Department of Public Economy of the Canton of Ticino, the rise in lake level could lead to a 15-20% increase in local agricultural production.

Environmental Mitigation

Raising the lake level will also contribute to environmental mitigation. The additional water will help maintain the ecosystem of the lake and the Po River, improving water quality and supporting biodiversity. This is particularly important in a period of climate change, where water resource management has become a priority. For example, Lake Maggiore is a crucial habitat for various species of fish and migratory birds. The increase in water level will help maintain aquatic habitats and support biodiversity. Furthermore, the additional water will help dilute pollutants, improving water quality for local communities.

Hydraulic Safety and Environmental Protection

The decision was made in full compliance with hydraulic safety and environmental protection conditions. This means that raising the lake will not pose risks to surrounding communities or cause damage to the environment. Collaboration between institutions has ensured that all necessary measures have been taken to ensure the safety and sustainability of the operation. For example, the Canton of Ticino has invested 5 million Swiss francs in feasibility studies and environmental monitoring to ensure that raising the lake is safe and sustainable.

Operational Checklist

To ensure the success of the operation, an operational checklist has been drawn up, including:

• Continuous monitoring of the lake level
• Implementation of early warning systems for potential floods
• Collaboration with local authorities for emergency management
• Monitoring of water quality and biodiversity

Future Scenarios

With the raising of Lake Maggiore, new possibilities open up for water resource management. In the future, it may be necessary to carefully monitor the water level and take measures to prevent potential problems. However, the current agreement represents an important step towards more sustainable water resource management. For example, the Canton of Ticino is evaluating the implementation of an integrated water resource management system that could include the use of advanced technologies for monitoring and managing water.

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Key points

Green light for raising Lake Maggiore up to 1.40 meters

For cross-border workers living and working in the Lake Maggiore region, raising the lake's water level could have some practical implications. Here's what to do and what to expect:

Monitoring the lake level

It's important to monitor the lake level to ensure there are no safety issues. Local authorities will provide regular updates on the water level and any necessary safety measures. For example, the Municipality of Locarno has set up an alert system that sends SMS notifications to residents in case of critical levels. The current lake level is monitored in real-time, and data is available on the Ticino Canton website.

Preparing for potential emergencies

Although the lake's water level increase has been carefully planned, it's always a good idea to be prepared for potential emergencies. Make sure you have an emergency plan in case of flooding or other water-related issues. Here's an operational checklist:

• Identify escape routes: Know the main and secondary escape routes from your neighborhood.
• Prepare an emergency kit: Include drinking water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered radio, and important documents.
• Protect your property: Install temporary barriers or sandbags if you live in at-risk areas.

Participating in local initiatives

Local communities may organize initiatives to promote sustainability and water resource management. Participating in these initiatives can be a way to contribute to the cause and stay informed about the latest news. For example, the Municipality of Brissago has launched an awareness program on water management that includes workshops and the distribution of water-saving kits.

Using water resources

With the increased availability of water, it may be possible to use water resources more efficiently. This could include garden irrigation, plant maintenance, and other activities that require water. However, it's important to follow local regulations. For example, the 2015 Canton Water Protection Regulation states that water use for irrigation should be limited during drought periods.

Comparing practical scenarios

• Current scenario: Lake level at 1.20 meters above the average level.
• Future scenario: Lake level at 1.40 meters above the average level.

In case of a rise to 1.40 meters, some areas may be subject to flooding. For example, the Municipality of Ascona has identified some at-risk areas and is working on mitigation projects. Local authorities are also assessing the economic impact, with estimates indicating a cost of around 5 million Swiss francs for protection measures.

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For more information and to calculate the impact of the lake's water level increase on your specific situation, use our impact calculator.

Source: ticinonews.ch