Even though Europe’s summer has only just commenced, Berselli has revealed that the country is “already without water reserves”.
“In the last six to eight months, the level of winter snow was 60 to 70 per cent less than its usual level,” Berselli explained.
“This has affected the water levels in our lakes and rivers.
“It also hasn’t rained in the Po valley basin for around 120 days.
“This, combined with the fact that temperatures are three to four degrees above the average for this time of year, has resulted in our current crisis.”
The government has been petitioned by the worst-affected regions to declare a state of emergency and deliver water where needed for civilian use.
The lack of water in the Po River threatens over 30 per cent of Italy’s national agricultural output.
Coldiretti, the largest representative body for Italian agriculture, said that the damage is currently estimated at over three billion euros – and rising fast.
Restrictions on water usage have already been imposed in several areas, and some towns are having to bring in external water supplies via trucks.
Water rationing has been implemented in several regions, with a ban on refilling swimming pools being considered.
