Lake Maggiore levels: Ticino replies to the Piedmont Region

The State Council has replied by letter to a formal request from the Piedmont Region about the low water levels of Lake Maggiore. The situation stems from this summer's weather.

The cantonal government expresses agreement in principle on the need to act jointly. It has also contacted local hydroelectric operators to inform them of the request received from Italy.

Limited room for action

The reply nonetheless sets out several precise constraints. Switzerland is in a drought alert phase caused by scarce rainfall. Water reserves in Ticino's hydroelectric basins sit at the lower limit of the average for the past ten years.

There is also a legal aspect. Much of the water is tied up in concessions granted decades ago to private operators across the border, over which the canton has minimal control. To this is added the legal duty to guarantee security of energy supply.

The State Council nonetheless declares itself available to support Piedmont in the event of drinking water emergencies. Among the forms of help mentioned is the rapid provision of a mobile water treatment unit, in line with civil protection cooperation protocols.

Finally, the government undertakes to examine water-saving measures and more efficient management of the resource together with the Italian side. The framework indicated for this work is the Regio Insubrica working community.

The episode shows how managing a shared lake depends on decisions taken at different times and in different places. Concessions signed in the past still determine today who can regulate outflows, while the effects of drought appear on both shores.