Low water level on Lake Garda
Did the rains ease the situation?
The lack of water is clearly visible on Lake Garda.
© imago images/Manfred Segerer
Lake Garda is a popular travel destination, but the region is struggling with water shortages. What does this mean for tourists?
At Pentecost, many Germans are drawn to Lake Garda. No wonder: the largest inland body of water in Italy can be reached in a few hours, especially for the southern federal states. However, a problem has been emerging for some time: the lake has too little water. Now there was some rain again, has the situation eased up?
Level sinks into the basement
In general, Italy is currently struggling with a water shortage. The north of the country in particular is suffering from the drought. This also affects the level of Lake Garda. According to the Comunità del Garda, an information center for the entire region, the water level on May 17 was 74 centimeters. The year before it was 91 centimeters at the same time. In general, however, it can be said that the situation has improved. On May 1st, only 53 centimeters were measured. In mid-April it was only 45 centimeters. For comparison: in 2022 the level was 101 centimetres.
However, a level of zero centimeters does not mean that the lake is empty – after all, it is 346 meters deep. Instead, the “null” mark is re-established every year. This is an average value derived from the lows measured in recent years.
A sign of drought
However, the scarcity of water also attracts tourists. Because the island of San Biagio, also known as the rabbit island, could already be reached on foot at the beginning of the year. The reason: A thin strip of land connected the mainland with the island. Some photos circulated on social media showing tourists walking. Normally, to reach the island on the western shore of Lake Garda at this time of year, you have to take a water taxi – or else hike through the knee-deep water. This is the case again, as the level has risen again thanks to the rain. Currently (as of May 23rd) the water level is 80 centimeters.
Nevertheless, the exposed path was taken by experts as a sign of an impending drought of the century, the dry year 2022 and the dry winter of 2023 are to blame. In addition, there was hardly any snow – so the meltwater that would normally flow into the lake is missing.
State of emergency in Italy
The Italian government under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (46) has already planned measures to prevent and combat water shortages. This includes the expansion of rainwater collection basins or the appointment of a special commissioner who is given far-reaching powers. A committee should control everything and also plan measures to overcome the crisis. But not only Lake Garda is affected, including the Po, Italy’s longest river, is struggling with a very low water level.
In the regions of Emilia-Romagna and Sicily, extreme weather conditions cause problems for people. Heavy rainfall and severe thunderstorms led to a state of emergency last week. “Inland there is a risk of flooding and landslides; storm surges can occur along the entire coast, including central and southern Italy,” it says on the website of the Federal Foreign Office. “Many roads are impassable and there are restrictions on regional rail traffic.” The storms caused billions of dollars in damage and claimed the lives of at least 13 people.
What does the water level mean for tourists?
Although the low water level of Lake Garda is a cause for concern, it doesn’t have a major impact on tourism. Because ferries and other boats drive as usual. Pizzerias, cafés and ice cream parlors are open and attract holidaymakers with their Italian delicacies. The beaches of the 370 square kilometer lake are a bit wider than usual. Since the temperatures can climb to 25 degrees in May, sunbathing is possible during the Pentecost holidays.
In the northern part of the lake is the average water temperature currently at a maximum of 17 degrees, in the south at a maximum of 20 degrees. Because of its perfect wind conditions, the northern part around Riva and Torbole is a preferred destination for sailors, windsurfers and kitesurfers. The many picturesque places around the lake attract many holidaymakers every year, and rightly so. Whether it’s small Salò in the southwest, the historic old town of Lazise or the Sirmione peninsula – everyone gets their money’s worth on Lago di Garda.