Water Emergency in Garda: Restrictions and Fines Extended Through September 2026

The Veneto Region has declared a regional emergency due to water shortages driven by high temperatures, low rainfall, and falling reservoir levels, prompting several local authorities around Lake Garda to issue ordinances restricting the use of drinking water. Municipal measures involve Garda (order no. 51, in force until September 30, 2026), Bardolino (until September 30, 2026), Brenzone (order no. 70 of July 8, 2026, until August 31, 2026), Castelnuovo del Garda (restrictions until August 31, 2026), and Puegnago del Garda on the Brescia side (an ordinance signed by Mayor Silvano Zanelli banning non-essential uses of public water).

The rules include bans or limits on washing courtyards and paved areas, private vehicle washing, and filling pools and fountains without recirculation, with many ordinances restricting irrigation between 7:00 and 22:00. Garda allows domestic, hygiene-sanitary, livestock, and industrial uses, with penalties ranging from €25 to €500 for violations; Brenzone bans all non-essential uses until August 31, while Castelnuovo del Garda applies similar time-based limits. In Puegnago del Garda, the ban also covers filling and topping up private fountains and pools and washing vehicles (except authorized car washes). Confagricoltura Brescia warned that farms are already facing severe difficulties, including postponed second sowings and harvests at risk due to the lack of water.
Italian Version