Thanks to heavy rain

After drought: water level at Lake Garda at record high

Around a year ago, Lake Garda was still characterized by drought - this year, rainfall has brought it a record high.(Bild: AFP )

Thanks to heavy rainfall over the past few days, the water level of Lake Garda is at a record high of 135 centimetres above the hydrometric zero point in Peschiera (Verona). That is 90 centimeters more than a year ago. The drought, which had put a strain on both the tourist season and irrigation in the Mantua area, appears to have been averted, reported the daily newspaper "L'Arena" on Monday.

A similar high was recorded on February 23, 1997. At 101.4 percent, the level of the lake is almost exceptional for this time of year. In recent weeks, the level has remained stable (between plus 125 and plus 130 centimetres since the beginning of the year), also thanks to the management of the outflows.

"Have to be careful with water reserves"
"The real challenge for the future will be to exploit synergies and maintain our ecosystem in a condition that guarantees the quality of life we need for the future. We will have to be careful with our water reserves," said Filippo Gavazzoni, Vice President of the Association of Lake Garda Municipalities.

Last summer, the level of Lake Garda and the large northern Italian lakes fell to a record low. Italy experienced one of the hottest summers since measurements began.