The “Papal Lake” disappears before our eyes. 117 cm in a dozen or so months

Popular lakes not only offer beautiful views, but also often allow tourists to relax and have fun. Recently, it has become more and more difficult to afford it because there is a water shortage in many places. The sunny country loved by Poles is complaining about record falls in Lake Albano near Rome.

An Italian lake is losing water

Lake Albano in Castel Gandolfo is a unique place. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, but is also associated as the historic summer residence of the popes. This is why the nickname “Pope Lake” comes from. To find them, you just need to drive just 30 km from the Italian capital. Unfortunately, today you won’t find the same view there as a dozen or so months ago.

According to data provided by the environmental protection organization Grottaferrata Sostenibile, record low water levels have been recorded on site. It has been decreasing regularly for over a year. In one month, the lake shrank by 17 cm, and in 15 months by 117 cm. The numbers are very disturbing, especially since the rate at which the reservoir is drying is extremely rapid.

The weather conditions don’t help

It has long been known that Italy faces extreme temperatures – in summer, thermometers often exceed 30 degrees, and in some places there are fires. Experts indicate that this is one of the main causes of the current situation, because even if it rains, its amount is not enough to improve the situation.

“Lakes without natural inflows are completely dependent on rainfall. At such high temperatures, the evaporation rate increases significantly,” Marco Casini, secretary of the Central Apennines Basin Authority, told the Italian media.

Another cause of problems is the abstraction of water for the needs of the Roman metropolis. Although information about it was provided to the media mainly by activists of Grottaferrata Sostenibile. According to the authorities, these are secondary aspects, and the climate plays a key role.