In 2024 summer Trasimeno Lake saw rainfall reduce by 40%, with a relative decrease in groundwater levels and spring flows, lower than average values. “Legambiente” recalled this, on the occasion of World Wetlands Day, in the long list of areas at risk of drought, asking the Government for a serious commitment not only in the development of economic resources and interventions on prevention, mitigation and adaptation to the climate crisis, but also in the protection and restoration of aquatic ecosystems and wetlands.
On the day dedicated to the areas directly affected by the presence of water, the outcome of the study commissioned by the Umbria Region to the University of Perugia on the compatibility between the water of the Montedoglio dam (Tuscany) and that of the Trasimeno for a possible direct injection was also circulated.
The connection between the two aquifers would make a great contribution to raising the water level, but all measures aimed at saving water and recovering rainwater must be adopted. Circular economy methods are absolutely to be considered in this logic.
About 60% of the farms in the Trasimeno area use the water of the lake for irrigation purposes but the irrigation systems are not always rational and tend to save. Some solutions are suggested in this regard:
- Increase in drop irrigation and micro-irrigation systems;
- Development of hydroponics and aquaponics systems;
- Increase in soil mulching techniques, also with the use of organic and inorganic waste material (bark, straw, leaves, pruning residues, waste, packaging residues, etc.)
- Creation of artificial rainwater collection basins;
- Increase in crop rotations, with greater attention to not-irrigated
The involvement of LIVERUR Project stakeholders, therefore, assumes a fundamental and urgent objective as a contribution to the restoration of the optimal conditions of Lake Trasimeno and its natural habitat.
(Written by Paolo Burini – UCT)
