Water levels on Italy’s Lake Garda drop to 15-year low

A popular tourist destination has revealed a stunning sight as water levels drop to their lowest level in 15 years amid a crippling drought.

An aerial view taken on August 16, 2022 shows the peninsula of Sirmione on Lake Garda, northern Italy, as the lake’s waters recede due to severe drought. Picture: Miguel Medina/AFP

The pedalos lie far from the water’s edge and the flat stone slabs around the Sirmione peninsula are exposed after drought has reduced the level of Italy’s Lake Garda to a 15-year low.

Italy’s largest lake, a major tourist destination nestled among mountains in the north of the country, is suffering like many others from months without rain.

The peninsula of Sirmione on Lake Garda, northern Italy. Picture: Miguel Medina/AFP

The lake’s waters have receded due to severe drought. Picture: Miguel Medina/AFP

Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake and a major tourist attraction. Picture: Miguel Medina/AFP

“We are currently at 30cm above the [benchmark] hydrographic level,” compared to an average for this time of year of between 80 and 100, said Gianluca Ginepro, head of Garda Unico, which promotes the lake.

It is the lowest the water has been since 2007, when levels dropped to 9.9cm, according to official data.

“It’s a situation to keep an eye on, even if from the point of view of using the lake – like windsurfing, sailing – there is no problem,” Mr Ginepro told AFP.

Europe has been parched by lack of rainfall and sweltering heat. Picture: Miguel Medina/AFP

Farmers have also been hit by a lack of water in the River Po. Picture: Miguel Medina/AFP

Lake Garda seen when water levels were higher. Picture: iStock

Tourism was holding up well, he said, although operators of trips across the lake had switched from hydrofoils to catamarans.

He also said that “the possibility of providing water for agriculture has dropped”.

Farmers have also been hit by a lack of water in the River Po, which stretches across northern Italy and is suffering its worst drought for 70 years.

But the issue goes beyond Italy, with land across Europe suffering from a lack of rainfall and sweltering temperatures, driven by climate change.

Several other European countries, as well as reporting record temperatures during recent heatwaves, have also reported low levels of water in rivers.