Italy and Switzerland agree to increase water flow to Lago Maggiore

Italy and Switzerland have reached a bilateral agreement to combat a severe water crisis affecting Lago Maggiore. The agreement involves increasing the water flow through the Toce River by 5 cubic meters per second. This measure, alongside a separate agreement with Enel regarding hydroelectric plants, aims to stabilize the lake level, which has dropped significantly, and maintain a flow of approximately 70 cubic meters per second for at least ten days.

The intervention is specifically designed to support seasonal agriculture, particularly rice cultivation in the Lomellina, Pavese, and Bassa Milanese regions.

Broadly, water scarcity remains a critical issue across the Po River District. Recent reports indicate severe to extreme drought conditions in several areas. At Pontelagoscuro, the Po River's flow has reached 233 cubic meters per second, well below the 450 cubic meters per second threshold required to prevent saltwater intrusion. While weather forecasts suggest potential relief through upcoming thunderstorms, the district-wide water severity remains high.