Garda Lake’s Image at Risk: Environmental Actions to Combat Algae

Guaranteed quality is no longer enough; today, selling also depends on managing the image.

Pollution Issues and the Image of Garda

Consequently, phenomena like anabaena, the horrid algae that used to patch the lake’s surface with yellowish spots, or the white foams produced by the agitation of Ponale’s water, are no longer acceptable.

It is not enough to be sure that there is no pollution; these are phenomena destined to disappear once the physical or environmental causes that produce them cease to exist.

Garda handles an enormous amount of billions in revenue, and neglecting its image is unthinkable.

Undoubtedly, no one wishes to travel from Germany or England to bathe or surf in a lake whose water is hygienically impeccable but visually repulsive.

Decision of the City Council

Thus, the city council unanimously approved the motion from the group leaders, with Paolo Matteotti as the main signatory, which commits the administration “to immediately activate all organizations to verify the current state of knowledge, identify the factors leading to algae development, assess the likelihood of the phenomenon recurring, and consider possible interventions to restore Benaco to its natural state.”

Furthermore, the council must ensure a serious and credible monitoring of the tributaries — in addition to the Sarca, already under control — including Albola, Varone, and Galanzana — to determine the amount of nutrients Garda has to process.