Oglio River, 2022 Drought

In 2022, Italy was hit by a severe drought that affected large parts of the country. The Po River, the main watercourse in northern Italy, recorded critically low levels along much of its course. Among its tributaries, the Oglio River, which flows from the Alps through Lombardy to the Po Valley, showed a significant reduction in water volume.

According to ANBI data, the previous winter was marked by an almost total absence of precipitation, which prevented the recharge of aquifers and reservoirs. Mountain snowpack melted about one month earlier than usual. Subsequent rainfall did not restore water levels.

In Lombardy, freshwater reserves decreased by about 40 percent. Along the lower course of the Oglio, near its confluence with the Po, riverbeds were largely dry and accessible on foot.

Agriculture in the Po Valley depended on irrigation from mountain reservoirs and pumping systems. Reduced water availability compromised crop production, with significant losses reported. In some areas, maize fields were converted into animal feed due to incomplete growth.

Hydroelectric reservoirs remained below capacity, requiring controlled water releases to balance energy production, agriculture, and river ecosystems.