Lake Garda Water Level Drop Causes Algae and Wastewater Issues, mayor probes

First the Anabaena algae, then a technical issue at the Arena wastewater treatment plant, which for a couple of days increased nitrogen nutrient discharges into the Galanzana (and therefore into the lake), and finally an unusual and prolonged lowering of Lake Garda’s water level. These are the phenomena that municipal technical offices have had to “witness” over the past few weeks.

Powerless? Maybe yes. However, Mayor Malossini has decided to learn more. Concerning the water level, which could play a role in the other anomalies, the mayor has sent a letter to the Magistrato del Po, asking for precise information about the withdrawals made from Garda to irrigate the Padanian fields.

Not only that: Malossini also suggests providing this useful information to all organizations involved in protecting the lake. Here is what he writes: “In relation to the recent communications received by this office, which highlighted issues in the functioning of biological wastewater treatment plants, resulting in increased nitrogen nutrients, the abnormal weather period that accentuated the algal phenomenon due to mixing of the water column caused by different temperatures between surface and deep waters, is added to a significant lowering of the lake’s water level caused by withdrawals for irrigation, which worsens environmental issues and is a source of concern and protest.”

The administering body thus finds itself compelled to consult the offices of the competent administrations, in order to request and understand the procedures for these withdrawals and to activate a control process that makes it a participant, keeping it informed about the necessary attention that must be given to the economic resource of Lake Garda.