In Claro, drought rises to grade 2: new limitations on water use (cross-border guide)

Context

In a nutshell

• Drought rises to grade 2 in Claro. - New restrictions on water use.

Key facts

• Degree of drought: 2. - New restrictions on water use.

Drought rises to grade 2 in Claro. The water situation is worsening and new limitations have been introduced for the use of water.

The drought in Claro

The drought in Claro has reached grade 2, according to the drought scale used by Switzerland. This means that the water situation is severe and requires urgent measures to reduce water consumption.

New limitations on water use

New limitations on water use have been introduced to reduce water consumption and mitigate the effects of drought. Among the most important measures are:

• Reduction of water consumption for irrigation: 20% less than last year. - Restriction of the use of water for vehicle washing: only dry or cold water washing. - Reduced water consumption for road washing: 30% less than last year.

Concrete examples

For example, a Claro farm producing fruit and vegetables could reduce irrigation water consumption by 20% compared to last year, saving around CHF 50,000 per year. Another company in Claro that produces cleaning products could limit the use of water for vehicle washing to dry cleaning only or cold water, reducing water consumption by about 20%

Operational details

Drought continues to impose itself in the Claro region, bringing with it new limitations on water use. The water situation worsens and the degree of drought rises to 2. Currently, private individuals are prohibited from washing vehicles, roads, yards, terraces and rooftops, irrigating lawns and filling swimming pools.

According to current legislation, the limitation of water use was introduced with the resolution of the Council of State of the Canton of Ticino of 15 February 2023. The legislation provides for a maximum ceiling of 1,000 litres of water per day for each family, with a limit of 200 litres for hygienic use and 800 litres for domestic use.

The residents of Claro must therefore take measures to reduce water consumption. Here are some water-saving tips:

• Use cold water to wash dishes and laundry
• Reuse wastewater to irrigate plants
• Use rainwater collection systems to supply pools and sprinklers
• Use low water consumption washing equipment
• Reuse wastewater to wash the road and sidewalks

In addition, the State Council of the Canton of Ticino has established a relief fund to help the most needy families cover the costs of water consumption. The fund is financed with a contribution of CHF 100,000 from the Canton's budget.

Drought also has a significant economic impact on the region. According to a

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Key points

If you want more information about the water situation in Claro, you can consult the website of the Municipality of Bellinzona. According to the latest provisions of the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Nature Protection, the degree of drought has risen to the second level, i.e. grade 2.

The water situation is particularly critical in the Canton of Ticino region, where rainfall was lower than historical averages. In particular, Lake Lugano is at 25% of its historical levels, while Lake Como is at 30%.

As a result of this situation, the Municipality of Bellinzona has issued a new service order that introduces new limitations on the use of water. Households are allowed to use drinking water only for essential purposes, such as meal preparation and personal hygiene. The use of water for cleaning pets is only allowed if absolutely necessary.

In addition, the Municipality of Bellinzona has determined that drinking water sources must be used efficiently and in an environmentally friendly manner. This means that people should only use drinking water when it is absolutely necessary and try to reduce water use for non-essential purposes.

The Ministry of Environment, Energy and Nature Protection has issued a circular advising citizens to use drinking water only for essential purposes and to try to reduce water use

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Source: tio.ch