Drought cuts Lake Garda outflow to 28 cubic metres per second

Lake Garda’s outflow will be reduced to 28 cubic metres per second from this evening. The agreement was reached by Comunità del Garda, Consorzio del Mincio and AIPO after weeks of scarce rainfall and a gradual fall in the water level. Today’s rain nevertheless brought an initial recovery, with the lake rising again to more than 50 centimetres above Peschiera’s hydrometric zero.

The reduction will be applied at Lake Garda’s regulating structure and concerns the flows directed towards the Mincio River. The agreement followed discussions with the consortium’s president, Massimo Lorenzi, and the authorities involved in managing the basin’s water system. During the most difficult months, downstream users had already drawn quantities below those permitted by the rules in force. The new measure is intended to limit further falls in the lake level over the coming weeks.

According to Lombardy regional councillor Sertori, Lake Garda withstood the most critical phase and can face the final part of summer while maintaining the existing uses of the resource. Regulation must guarantee human and drinking-water supplies, agricultural, tourism, industrial, hydroelectric and thermal needs, as well as the protection of fish life and the entire lake ecosystem. Comunità del Garda will continue daily discussions with the parties involved while monitoring changes in the level and weather conditions.