Lago Albano water levels reach historic lows

The water level of Lago Albano in the Castelli Romani region has reached historic lows. According to measurements by the environmental group Grottaferrata Sostenibile, the lake has lost an additional 13 centimeters since late July, with the hydrometer recording a level of -130 centimeters. This recent drop brings the lake close to its record minimum recorded in December 2025. Over recent decades, the volcanic lake has seen an overall decline of approximately 7.5 meters.

Environmentalists attribute the crisis to a combination of water extraction for the Rome metropolitan area and intense pressure from mass tourism. The impact of tourism includes damage to coastal vegetation and issues with waste and littering. Activists are calling for drastic measures, such as banning swimming and unauthorized parking outside of designated beach areas, to protect the fragile ecosystem and its biodiversity.

To address the decline, the Lazio Region and the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, involving Acea Ato 2, have allocated nearly 30 million euros for intervention. An implementation agreement was formalized on August 7 to combat a negative water decline of 76 centimeters. Officials stated that these investments are intended to protect the Colli Albani ecosystem and ensure sustainable development for local communities.