Arco Considers Hot Water Potential for Thermal Resort Development

The hot water discovered three years ago beneath the soil of S. Giorgio prompts questions about the possible future for Arco’s thermal spa, or is it just another hoax?

This was asked by Assessore Sergio Dellanna to the Province, which had made the discovery and, with a funding of 300 million lire—later halved—had committed to estimating its volume. For over a month, the Arco administrator has been waiting in vain for clarification regarding his letter.

Could the letter have ended up in the forgotten drawer like the hot water of “Saiori”? Dellanna is very hopeful about the potential positive outcome of further provincial investigations. “It would be an incalculable fortune for the city if we confirm that the high-temperature water, identified by drilling three years ago near the church of the district, is exploitable,” comments the assessor. “We could develop Arco’s third economic hub, after tourism and healthcare. A Kurort in thermal terms, similar to successful models elsewhere. Although, honestly, the sector experienced an unexpected revitalization in the 1980s, and lately, some centers have been struggling.”

Possible facilities and infrastructures

The deadlock is probably due to a failure to adapt to current realities—that is, the changes in most users’ needs. The municipal administrator has clear ideas about the location and type of potential facilities that would utilize the hot water: the chosen area will be around Braile, just below the olive orchard.

Here, some former sanatoria could be ideally repurposed as popular health centers of various “stars,” meaning of high standards. For transporting the raw material, i.e., the high-temperature water, a special pipeline will be required from S. Giorgio to Braile.

The plans of Assessore Dellanna and the municipal administration must overcome the inexplicable provincial stagnation. Since the distant drilling three years ago, everything has been silent. The only commitment was the allocation in the budget of 300 million lire for subsequent research—later halved.

“With this pace, I fear the Province might cancel the planned expenditure, jeopardizing Arco’s thermal developments,” comments a local entrepreneur, concerned. He had, at the time, requested a concession for exploiting the hot water, along with others. “Back when Assessore Moser was in office, I was given the cold shoulder. The justification was that it was up to the Province to continue the research, and then a decision would be made.”

He is worried about the excessive halt of the second phase. The delayed response to Assessore Dellanna also speaks volumes. I hope I’m wrong, but in my opinion, there might be some “hidden force” blocking the Saiori project investigations.