Water emergency in Lombardy: 37% deficit, what's next

Context

In brief

• 37% water deficit in Lombardy
• Lack of snow worsens the situation
• Delay in irrigation season and water storage
• Collaboration with Swiss cantons such as Ticino and Graubünden

Key facts

• What: Water deficit and lack of snow
• When: 30 April 2026
• Where: Lombardy
• Who: Regional Councillor Massimo Sertori
• Amount: 37% water deficit
• Hydroelectric reservoirs: 30 million additional cubic meters of water in Lake Maggiore

The water situation in Lombardy is critical. The deficit in water reserves is 37% lower than the average for the reference period. The lack of snow, with an accumulation 40% lower than the seasonal average, has worsened the situation, making it urgent to adopt measures to address the emergency. During the regional water resources meeting held in Palazzo Lombardia, the regional councillor with responsibility for water resources, Massimo Sertori, underlined the importance of postponing the irrigation season and continuing to store water in the reservoirs.

Urgent measures

In today's meeting, it was requested to postpone the irrigation season to avoid excessive reductions in lake levels. Furthermore, hydroelectric reservoir managers were invited to accumulate as much water as possible. The meeting will reconvene on 20 May to monitor the situation and take immediate decisions.

📊 Operational checklist:

• Delay in irrigation season: Date for the start of irrigation moved from 15 April to 15 May.
• Water storage: Aim to accumulate at least 50 million additional cubic meters of water compared to the seasonal average.
• Collaboration with Swiss cantons: Agreements with Ticino and Graubünden for the joint management of cross-border water resources.

Raising Lake Maggiore

A positive note is the raising of the maximum regulation level of Lake Maggiore to 140 cm, which will allow the accumulation of another 30 million cubic meters of water. This will be fundamental for irrigation in the Lomellina rice fields, in Pavia and Milan.

💡 Concrete examples:

• Lomello (PV): 20% reduction in water resources available for irrigation compared to the previous year.
• Mortara (PV): Implementation of drip irrigation systems to reduce water consumption by 30%.
• Magadino (TI): Collaboration with the Italian consortium for the management of Verbano waters.

Regulations and agreements

Councillor Sertori expressed satisfaction with the willingness of all members of the table to collaborate and thanked the Swiss authorities for their availability. Specific agreements with the Canton of Ticino were mentioned for the management of Verbano waters, with a 15% increase in joint storage capacity.

⚠️ Comparison between practical scenarios:

• Current scenario: 37% water deficit with a 40% reduction in snow.
• Optimal scenario: Storage of 50 million additional cubic meters of water, with a 15% increase in cross-border collaboration.
• Worst-case scenario: 50% reduction in water resources available for irrigation, with a significant impact on local agriculture.

Councillor Sertori underlined the importance of sustainable management of water resources and invited all parties involved to continue to collaborate to address the emergency.

Operational details

Implications for cross-border workers

The water emergency in Lombardy, with a 37% deficit, will have a significant impact on cross-border workers who work and live in Ticino. The reduction in water resources could affect agriculture and industry, sectors in which many cross-border workers are employed. For example, in Lombardy, the agricultural sector employs approximately 150,000 people, with an annual turnover of over 6 billion euros. In Ticino, municipalities like Mendrisio and Chiasso host numerous cross-border workers who work in sectors sensitive to water availability.

Comparison with the previous situation

Before the emergency, Lombardy had sufficient water reserves to face the summer season. Now, with a 37% deficit, the situation is critical. Postponing the irrigation season and accumulating water in reservoirs are necessary measures to avoid a greater crisis. However, these interventions may not be sufficient if the situation does not improve.

Future scenarios

If the situation does not improve, further measures may be necessary, such as rationing and stricter restrictions. It is important that cross-border workers are aware of the possible implications and prepare for any changes in their work activities and daily life.

Comparison with the Canton of Ticino

While Lombardy faces a water crisis, the Canton of Ticino enjoys a more favorable situation thanks to its water resources. However, collaboration between the regions is fundamental to addressing common challenges and ensuring a sustainable future.

Operational checklist for cross-border workers

1. Inform: Monitor official communications from Lombard and Ticino authorities. 2. Planning: Prepare an emergency plan for possible water restrictions. 3. Reduction of consumption: Adopt measures to reduce domestic water consumption. 4. Collaboration: Participate in local initiatives for the sustainable management of water resources.

Concrete examples

• Agriculture: In Lombardy, the agricultural sector employs approximately 150,000 people, with an annual turnover of over 6 billion euros. The reduction in water resources could lead to a decrease in agricultural production, affecting jobs.
• Industry: Sectors such as textile and food production could suffer interruptions due to water scarcity. In Ticino, municipalities like Lugano and Locarno could be indirectly affected.

Regulations and dates

• Lombardy: The regional government has issued decrees for water rationing starting from June 1, 2023, with fines up to 1,000 euros for those who do not respect the restrictions.
• Ticino: The Canton of Ticino has adopted preventive measures to ensure the sustainability of water resources, with a management plan approved in 2022.

Comparisons between practical scenarios

• Optimistic scenario: If the rains improve, restrictions could be eased by the end of the summer, reducing the impact on cross-border workers.
• Pessimistic scenario: If the drought persists, stricter restrictions may be necessary, with significant impacts on work and daily life.

📊 Key data:

• Water deficit in Lombardy: 37%
• Employees in the Lombard agricultural sector: 150,000
• Annual turnover of the Lombard agricultural sector: 6 billion euros

💡 Tip: Cross-border workers should carefully monitor official communications and prepare for any changes in their work activities and daily life.

⚠️ Warning: Water restrictions could affect the availability of drinking water and irrigation, with direct impacts on cross-border workers in sensitive sectors.

Useful tools to protect your net income

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Key points

What to Do Now

Cross-border workers who live in Ticino and work in Lombardy should be aware of possible water restrictions and prepare for potential changes. Lombardy's water deficit has reached 37%, a critical situation that could lead to significant restrictions. It is essential to monitor official communications and follow the guidelines of local authorities, such as the Municipality of Varese or the Lombardy Region.

Procedure to Address the Emergency

1. Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest news and official communications. For example, the Municipality of Lugano has created a dedicated portal with daily updates on water restrictions. Also, follow the bulletins from the Lombardy Region, which provide specific data on consumption and measures taken.

2. Reduce Consumption: Adopt measures to reduce domestic and industrial water consumption. According to Lombard regulations, as of July 1, 2023, it is prohibited to use water for irrigating private gardens between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM. Additionally, companies must reduce their consumption by 20% compared to the average of the last three years. In Ticino, municipalities like Mendrisio and Chiasso have already launched campaigns to raise awareness among citizens.

3. Prepare: Be ready for potential restrictions and adapt to new conditions. For example, companies may need to modify their production processes to reduce water use. An operational checklist could include:

• Verify water supply contracts.
• Install systems for collecting and reusing rainwater.
• Train staff on good water-saving practices.

4. Collaborate: Participate in collective efforts to address the emergency. Collaboration between Ticino municipalities and Lombard authorities is essential. For example, the Municipality of Lugano has launched a pilot project with the Municipality of Varese to share best practices in water management.

Useful Tools

For more information and to calculate the impact of restrictions on work activities, consult the impact calculator. Additionally, to better understand the tax and pension implications, visit the cross-border workers section.

Concrete Examples

📊 Scenario 1: Manufacturing Company A company based in Varese with cross-border workers from Lugano may need to reduce water consumption by 20%. Using the impact calculator, the company can estimate additional costs and plan necessary changes to production processes.

📊 Scenario 2: Cross-border Worker Family A family living in Mendrisio and working in Como may need to adapt their domestic habits. For example, reducing the use of washing machines and dishwashers, and installing flow reducers in faucets.

Comparison of Practical Scenarios

⚠️ Comparison 1: Domestic Consumption In Ticino, the average water consumption per family is about 150 liters per day. With restrictions, this could drop to 120 liters. In Lombardy, the average consumption is 180 liters per day, with a planned 20% reduction.

⚠️ Comparison 2: Industrial Consumption A manufacturing company in Lombardy might need to reduce consumption from 100,000 liters per day to 80,000 liters. This could result in an additional cost of 5,000 euros per month for the installation of water recycling systems.

Final CTA

For more details and to calculate the impact of restrictions on work activities, consult the impact calculator. Additionally, to better understand the tax and pension implications, visit the cross-border workers section.

Source: comozero.it