Drought: Veneto declares a regional state of emergency

The President of the Veneto Region, Alberto Stefani, has signed an order declaring a regional state of emergency across the entire territory, following the abnormal hydrological and hydraulic conditions observed, in particular, in the Po River District, and the risk of a salt wedge rising. The decision – according to the Region – was taken in light of the confirmed rainfall deficit, particularly since March (-21%), which worsened in April and remained below the historical average in May. As at 31 May, the entire hydrological year showed a deficit of -28 per cent, equivalent to a shortfall of almost 2.4 billion cubic metres of water. The water supply from snow has been exhausted early due to the high temperatures in April and May, and the flow rates of the major rivers in the Veneto region are significantly and consistently below historical averages (Piave and Brenta -23%; Po -23%; Adige -21%). The water level of Lake Garda is also falling significantly.

In the order, Stefani also identifies a number of measures required to address the situation. In particular, it is envisaged that the relevant regional authorities will be advised to adopt a “strategy for the more economical and sustainable use of water resources within their territory” , avoiding all possible wastage and, with particular regard to the Adige river basin, to take all necessary measures to limit water use and ensure a minimum flow rate of 80 m³/s at Boara Pisani (Padua). Irrigation consortia are recommended to launch awareness campaigns promoting the prudent use of water resources, aimed at meeting the actual irrigation needs of crops, and to support farms in identifying the ‘precise timing for irrigation’ and in assessing the volume of water required; raise awareness amongst farmers of the potential risk of water shortages worsening during periods of most intensive irrigation activity (July and August); and draw up ‘drought plans’.

Operators of hydroelectric reservoirs in mountainous areas are asked to preserve water reserves, to allow for the possible supplementation of natural flows; and to facilitate the exchange of information with irrigation consortia in the lowlands and with integrated water service operators. Regional water authorities and integrated water service operators are asked to promote awareness-raising initiatives for the rational management of drinking water, postponing maintenance work on networks and facilities where possible; and to inform the municipalities concerned of the current water shortage situation. ANCI Veneto and the local authorities are asked to launch awareness campaigns on the prudent use of water resources; to consider the temporary suspension of groundwater abstractions for ‘non-priority uses’. A working group will be set up as soon as possible to update the register of domestic wells; Finally, the Po River District Basin Authority is asked to urgently convene the Permanent Observatory on Water Use in the Po River Hydrographic District, in order to reassess the current severity of the water shortage and identify further measures to contain the crisis.