# Freshwater reservoir discovery in Veneto

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/freshwater-reservoir-discovery-in-veneto
> Updated: 2026-10-05T08:38:00.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 2.

Researchers participating in the EU-funded Swamrisk project have identified a massive underground freshwater reservoir in the Veneto region near Venice, Italy. The reservoir, described as an ‘aquitard’—a type of underground sponge made of clay or silt—covers an estimated 25,000 to 30,000 hectares, making it comparable in size to Lake Garda.

Located in deep geological layers between Buoro and Punta Gorzone, the water source is protected by thick clay layers. This positioning makes the reservoir relatively resistant to the saltwater intrusion currently affecting the region, which has caused near-surface groundwater to reach salinity levels harmful to agriculture. 

The discovery was part of the Swamrisk project, which included scientists from Croatia. The initiative aims to study the impacts of climate change on coastal groundwater systems along the Adriatic Sea to mitigate drought risks and secure future water supplies for the region.

## Claims

- Researchers discovered a massive underground freshwater deposit near Venice. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The underground reservoir covers an estimated 25,000 to 30,000 hectares. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The size of the deposit is comparable to the entire Lake Garda. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The freshwater is contained in an aquitard, a sponge-like layer of clay or loam. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The deep freshwater is relatively unaffected by saltwater intrusion. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Near-surface groundwater at seven meters depth has a salinity of 14 grams per liter. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The findings are part of the European research project SWAMrisk. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The project aims to study climate change impacts on Adriatic coastal groundwater systems. (corroborated by 4 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-05: Venice region discovery of massive underground freshwater reservoir

Researchers discovered a massive underground freshwater reservoir near Venice, Italy, comparable in size to Lake Garda, which may help mitigate regional water crises and saltwater intrusion.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/venice-discovery-of-massive-underground-freshwater-reservoir

### 2026-10-01: Italy manages tourism shifts and major groundwater discovery

Italy manages diverse regional shifts: Rome expands beach tourism to winter months, the Dolomites struggle with mass tourism at Lago di Sorapis, and a massive underground freshwater reservoir is found in Veneto

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/veneto-coast-discovery-of-massive-underground-freshwater-reservoir

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Cite as: Freshwater reservoir discovery in Veneto. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/freshwater-reservoir-discovery-in-veneto