April 29, 2026, 3:52 p.mApril 29, 2026, 3:52 p.m
Piedmont and Lombardy have spoken out with the Italian-Swiss “Consorzio del Ticino” in favor of raising the lake level of Lake Maggiore. The decision brings 30 million cubic meters of additional water to agriculture in the Po Valley.
Lake Maggiore.Image: Shutterstock
The Italian news agency Ansa called the agreement “a historic decision in the face of climate change.” The decision is the result of an agreement between the Po river basin authority, the regions of Piedmont and Lombardy, the bilateral Italian-Swiss organization “Consorzio del Ticino” and numerous other actors involved.
“Raising the water level of Lake Maggiore by up to 15 centimeters is an extraordinary example of how we can and must adapt to climate change,” said the Secretary General of the River Basin Authority, Alessandro Delpiano.
More water – without any new buildings
They managed to make up to 30 million cubic meters of additional water available – without any new buildings or infrastructure. This means more water for agriculture, for environmental protection and for the Po River up to its mouth – in full compliance with hydraulic safety requirements and environmental protection.
The regional councilors of the Piedmont and Lombardy regions, Matteo Marnati and Massimo Sertoli, as well as the Consorzio del Ticino and the regulatory authority for the water levels of Lake Maggiore also expressed satisfaction with the decision. This also takes into account the current situation of a mountain catchment area with little snow and hydroelectric power storage facilities with very low filling levels. (hkl/sda/ansa)