The Po River in Italy has fallen to historically low levels due to drought and heatwaves.
The Po River Basin Authority reported that river flows are well below seasonal averages.
Water levels at several monitoring stations of the Po River are approaching or exceeding records from the 2022 drought. At the Isola Sant'Antonio monitoring station, the Po River had an average flow of 62 cubic metres per second, which is 75 per cent below its historical reference value.
The Po River is vital to the agricultural heartland of northern Italy, including the Food Valley near Parma. Reduced river flows in the Po Delta increase the risk of saltwater intrusion from the sea.
Emergency water supplies
Ansa reported that tanker deliveries were made to more than 100 municipalities in Piedmont and Lombardy, Italy, to address water shortages. In Piedmont, Italy, around 100 municipalities had adopted ordinances to curb water use by mid-July.
In approximately 50 municipalities in Piedmont, Italy, with a combined population of 25,000, water tankers were used to top up reservoirs. In Lombardy, Italy, 50 municipalities were struggling with water issues, with 17 being supplied by tankers.
In the Marche region of Italy, 32 municipalities were facing water shortages. In the Lomellina area of Italy, officials warned that the water situation could worsen without significant rainfall.
Regional data and stress levels
Arpa Piemonte reported that surface water resources in Piedmont, Italy, were 37 per cent below the seasonal average. In the first ten days of July, many gauging stations in Piedmont, Italy, showed water deficits of more than 40 per cent.
The Po River's flow through Turin, Italy, has fallen by more than half since June. At the Sant’Antonio island monitoring station, the Po River discharge has at times dropped to approximately a quarter of its normal level.
The permanent observatory on water use in the Po River District raised its water stress assessment from 'medium' to 'high' at the end of July. The drought index recorded an 'extreme' situation at Cremona, Italy.
Resources may not be sufficient to avoid system damage despite preventive measures.
Cross-border water management
Switzerland is increasing water releases from Lake Lugano to support the level of Lake Maggiore. The discharge from Lake Lugano towards Lake Maggiore is set to rise from 3 to 8 cubic metres per second.
The decision to increase water release was discussed within the Italian-Swiss Bilateral Consultation Body on the regulation of Lake Maggiore's levels and the management of water resources in its basin. The Italian-Swiss Bilateral Consultation Body was convened urgently by the Italian Ministry of the Environment based on data from the Po River Basin Authority.
