Lake Maggiore rise: economic and environmental impacts

Context

In brief

• Lake Maggiore level set at 140 cm above zero hydrometric.
• 20-30 million cubic meters more for irrigation.
• Local administrators fear economic and environmental damage.

Key facts

• What: Rise in Lake Maggiore level.
• When: April 29, 2026.
• Where: Lake Maggiore, Varesotto and Piedmont shores.
• Who: Po River Basin Authority.
• Amount: 140 cm above zero hydrometric of Sesto Calende.
• Additional volume: 20-30 million cubic meters for irrigation.

The Po River Basin Authority has set the maximum level of Lake Maggiore at 140 centimeters above the zero hydrometric of Sesto Calende. This decision, made on April 29, 2026, has raised concerns among local administrators of the Varesotto and Piedmont shores of Verbano. Despite the agreement between Italy and Switzerland guaranteeing an additional volume of 20-30 million cubic meters for the irrigation of the plain, the mayors of Verbania, Baveno, and Cannobio have defined the choice as 'erroneous and not shared with the territory'.

Environmental concerns

The environment assessor of Angera, Milo Manica, emphasized the fragility of the wet areas and the need to review the current agricultural model. 'Water storage for crops is often considered, but no one ever thinks about converting these crops,' Manica stated. The rise in the lake level could cause the disappearance of reeds and the loss of historical habitats such as those of Isolino Partegora, already documented in the 19th century and now almost extinct.

Impacts on tourism

The mayors of Verbania, Baveno, and Cannobio have also expressed concerns for the tourism sector. The historical threshold of the lake was 100 centimeters, and the increase to 140 centimeters in just over a decade could cause certain damage. 'One hundred and forty centimeters above zero hydrometric is an erroneous choice because it is too many, too many centimeters compared to the historical threshold of 100 cm with which this lake has been managed for decades,' the mayors stated in a joint note.

Criticisms of the method

Local administrations have criticized the method followed by the Po Basin Authority and the Ticino Consortium, accused of having exclusively privileged the irrigation needs of Lomellina and Pavese. The mayors highlighted the lack of effective involvement and criticized the Piedmont Region for not firmly representing the demands of the lakeside municipalities.

Alternative proposals

Milo Manica proposed looking at the experiences of the Ticino Park, where the resource is accumulated underground through marcite and the recharge of aquifers. This system would allow the level of the lake and the survival of rare species such as Littorella to be safeguarded.

Operational details

Impact Analysis

The rise in the water level of Lake Maggiore will have significant consequences for both the environment and the local economy. Historical natural habitats, such as reed beds and Isolino Partegora, could disappear, with serious repercussions for biodiversity. The disappearance of reed beds, for example, would put species like the Lopinga butterfly and Lataste's frog at risk.

Economic Impacts

The tourism sector is one of the most concerned. The reduction of beaches, caused by the rise in the lake's water level, could reduce the tourist attractiveness of Lake Maggiore. Beaches are a determining factor for the local economy, and their reduction could have a negative impact on the revenues of the lakeside municipalities.

Management of the Shores

Managing the shores during periods of high water will be more difficult. The impossibility of retreating vegetation due to the presence of roads and campsites could cause damage to local infrastructure and ecosystems. This could lead to additional costs for the maintenance and protection of the shores.

Reactions of Local Administrations

Local administrations have expressed their opposition to the decision through all available legal and political means. The mayors of Verbania, Baveno, and Cannobio have declared that they will continue to oppose the decision, criticizing the Piedmont Region for not firmly representing the interests of the lakeside municipalities.

Proposed Solutions

Milo Manica has proposed looking at the experiences of the Ticino Park, where the resource is accumulated underground through marcite and aquifer recharge. This system would allow the level of the lake and the survival of rare species such as Littorella to be safeguarded. Manica's proposal has been positively received by some local administrators, who see this solution as a sustainable alternative to raising the level of the lake.

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Key points

Concrete actions

To address the impacts of the rising water level of Lake Maggiore, it is necessary to adopt concrete measures. Local authorities should work together to develop a sustainable water resource management plan. This plan should include the conversion of unsustainable agricultural crops and the protection of natural habitats.

Steps to follow

1. Impact assessment: Conduct an in-depth study to assess the environmental and economic impacts of the lake's rising water level. 2. Stakeholder engagement: Actively involve stakeholders, including lakeside municipalities, environmental associations, and tourism operators, in planning mitigation measures. 3. Development of a management plan: Develop a sustainable water resource management plan that includes the conversion of agricultural crops and the protection of natural habitats. 4. Implementation of measures: Implement the mitigation measures outlined in the management plan, constantly monitoring the results and making necessary adjustments.

Useful tools

To help cross-border workers and residents of Lake Maggiore better understand the impacts of the rising water level, tools such as the water resource calculator and the beach comparator can be used. These tools can provide useful information for planning activities and managing resources sustainably.

Conclusion

The decision to raise the water level of Lake Maggiore will have significant consequences for the local environment and economy. It is crucial to adopt concrete measures to mitigate negative impacts and ensure a sustainable future for the region. Local authorities must work together to develop a sustainable water resource management plan and protect natural habitats.

Source: varesenews.it