Lake Garda Water Levels Decline as Infrastructure and Environment Are Affected

Lake Garda continues to decline at a rate of only three centimeters per day, despite 190 cubic meters of water flowing out every second and an inflow of approximately 70 cubic meters per second: resulting in a net loss of 120 cubic meters per second.

Current Water Level Status

The hydrometer at Peschiera yesterday morning registered 156 centimeters above zero, 18/19 centimeters below the maximum peak.

The groundwater level has also dropped, by between 50 centimeters and one meter, depending on the location.

Variations and Predictions

However, according to calculations by Vincenzo Ceschini, in certain areas the water level had risen by as much as 315 centimeters: from a depth of around 5 meters to less than two.

The greatest increase was recorded in the scree slopes where the Sarca once flowed.

It will take another month for the water to return to normal levels, and fortunately, rainfall has stopped, significantly reducing the runoff from mountain ridges.

Impact on Environment and Infrastructure

The situation in the Busa is further complicated by extensive construction that has interrupted and buried the network of canals that once served to drain excess water from the plains in at least a hundred places.

Channels have been cut to make way for roads and buildings, removing the outlets; and sadly, this is now evident.