Low Water Levels Reported at Italy's Lakes and Rivers After Months of Heatwaves and Droughts

Low water levels have been reported in Italy's lakes and rivers following several months of intense heatwaves and drought, according to reports.

Due to extreme weather events, Italy experienced a combination of strong winds, heavy rain, and prolonged scorching temperatures earlier this year.

Environmental non-governmental organizations have expressed concern about the water crisis and the impact of climate change in the European country.

Italy's water shortage comes as a massive heat wave has swept across the Northern Hemisphere since the start of summer in June 2023, affecting the United States, Canada, and other European countries including Spain, where related water shortages have been reported in July 2023.

Due to the environmental crisis, both NGOs and local authorities have worked on the clock to further monitor water levels in Italy and Spain.

Low Water Levels

(Photo : Image by Penny from Pixabay)

For the second consecutive year, Italy experienced another historic low water levels, including at Lake Bracciano and Lake Garda.

The main concern surrounding the problem is that a decreased water level may hinder the bodies of water to wash out pollutants, according to observers.

Last year, the Italy drought incurred a loss of 6 billion Euro.

In April 2023, it was reported that water shortage levels nationwide are less than 50% of their normal levels, experts have warned. In particular, the drought earlier this year reduced the level of Garda down to a 15-year low.

A study published in the journal Nature Italy in July 2022 revealed that Italy must prepare for a future looming with potential chronic drought.

This comes as Northern Italy has experienced a water crisis, and the study said experts have warned that this is an evident sign of a long-term environmental problem that has already altered ecosystems.

Also Read: Italy's Intense Drought Brings Old World War Shipwrecks to Emerge from the River

European Drought

While drought has persisted across Europe in recent years, forecasts in July showed that variable drought conditions are affecting large parts of the continent.

According to the European Commission in July, Europe continues to face severe drought that impacts many sectors like agriculture, energy, and water resources.

As of mid-June, evidence showed that the dry spell this year is like the 2022 European severe drought.

As defined by meteorological authorities, drought is a state of prolonged heat and dry conditions as a result of a lack of precipitation (rain or snow).

Unlike weather events like storms and hurricanes, droughts are harder to predict, in terms of occurrence and duration.

The said natural disaster affects not only our economies and different sectors but also animals, which can be deprived of water resources as lakes, rivers, and other water reservoirs are decreased or depleted.

In January 2023, the organization International Fund for Animal Welfare reported that Kenya's failed wet season led to the deaths of thousands of wild animals in the East African country, including elephants, giraffes, wildebeest, buffalos, and others.

Related Article: Extreme Drought in Italy's Po River Reveals Unexploded World War II Bomb