AUBAC presents the new monitoring network for lakes in Lazio

The event to present the new AUBAC lake monitoring network of the Lazio Region, a prevention, territorial protection and sustainable water resource management tool, was held at the Air Force Historical and Sports Centre (CSSAM) in Vigna di Valle - Bracciano (Rome) on Tuesday 24 June at 11 a.m.

AUBAC is the Autorità di Bacino dell'Appennino Centrale (Central Apennines Basin Authority), the public body responsible for territorial planning for hydrogeological risk mitigation, coastal defence and sustainable land use in central Italy. The initiative is a response to the increasing critical environmental situation, in which rising temperatures and low rainfall are progressively lowering of water levels in the district's main natural lake basins.

The monitoring system was designed and implemented by AUBAC, and built by CAE S.p.A., and consists of high-tech stations distributed on lakes Bracciano, Bolsena, Vico and Albano. Each station offers real-time measurement of key parameters such as hydrometric levels, temperatures, evaporated water quantities.

The data collected in real time from the stations can be used to continuously assess the condition of the lakes, support sustainable resource management activities, and provide strategic information to prevent environmental emergencies and understand the local effects of climate change.

During the presentation, it was highlighted that all major natural lakes in the district have undergone a significant drop in water levels compared to historical averages. Lake Bracciano recorded -40 cm, Lake Nemi -50 cm, Lake Albano -45 cm, Lake Bolsena -7 cm, Lake Trasimeno -20 cm (with an overall reduction of about 1 metre compared to 2020, and the lowest level ever recorded in September compared to the historical average of 1991-2020).

“The AUBAC network represents a decisive step towards scientifically advanced monitoring of our lake ecosystems. It is only through continuous, precise knowledge of the water state that we can implement effective actions to protect the environment, manage resources sustainably and prevent the most serious effects of the climate crisis.This system will provide essential information, not only for historical analysis, but also to support real-time operational decisions by the local authorities involved” said Marco Casini, Secretary General of AUBAC.

The meeting was attended by technicians, institutional representatives and stakeholders in the local area, and confirmed the authority's commitment to promoting innovative tools to serve the environment and local communities.

After the press conference, the opening ceremony for the Bracciano monitoring station took place.