How much water should Lago Maggiore carry in summer? Opinions differ on that. While the Italians prefer a higher level, the Ticino want to lower it. A new decision by the Italians is now causing gossip.
The regulator of the Po river basin in Parma, the «Autorità di bacino del Fiume Po», has recently announced that in the summer season (March 16 to October 31) the lake is up to 1.5 meters above the hydrometric The “Aargauer Zeitung” writes that the zero point should be at Sesto Calende. The Miorina weir, which can be used to regulate the water level, is located in the municipality in Lombardy.
Locarno and Ascona could be flooded
The Italians usually want a high level to ensure the irrigation of the fields in the Po Valley. On the other hand, when it comes to protecting the city of Pavia from the threat of flooding, our southern neighbors prefer a lower level.
Switzerland has an interest in keeping the water level low. Because in Ticino, towards the end of summer, it often rains. A low level can prevent flooding in cities like Locarno or Ascona. In addition, the ecosystem of the Bolle di Magadino nature reserve would be protected.
In recent years, the two countries had agreed on an increase of 1.25 meters. In exceptional cases, 1.35 meters would be fine. However, the people of Ticino do not agree at all with the 1.5 meters that have now been announced.
“There is a real danger that if Lake Maggiore is raised to a maximum of one and a half meters in spring, the reed beds in the Bolle di Magadino will be flooded in their development phase,” says Laurent Filippini, head of the cantonal office for water, of the “Aargauer Zeitung ».
Bafu should regulate
The high level therefore also poses a risk to tourism. Because the campsites and the beaches on the shores of Lake Maggiore would be threatened. And summertime is particularly important for the Ticino economy.
The Ticino have therefore contacted the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) and other involved bodies. You should now take care of the case and ensure that the water level remains low. (man)