South Tyrol issues decree against water scarcity: irrigation and car washing restricted

The immediate cause for the decree was primarily current data concerning the Adige river basin. The river, which rises in South Tyrol and empties into the Adriatic south of Venice, had been flowing at the threshold value of 80 cubic meters per second in its lower course over the past days, as authorities recorded. If water volumes continue to drop, the risk would also increase that saltwater from the river's mouth could intrude into the Adige. "This would in turn endanger drinking water resources," according to the provincial government.

What the decree specifically prohibits

Among the concrete prohibitions is that green areas may not be irrigated between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Outside these hours, irrigation of green spaces is permitted only at intervals of at least three days and only to the necessary extent, according to the decree. This is intended to ensure supply over the coming weeks through water savings and reduced consumption, the provincial government explained.

Background: Drought and a winter with little snow

Also prohibited is the cleaning of streets and non-commercial vehicles – including private car washing on one's own property. Inspections of water diversions from surface waters and wells are also being tightened. Violations of the decree may be subject to administrative penalties.

The provincial government cited the high temperatures, a winter with little snow, and long dry periods without significant precipitation as the causes of the current scarcity. The combination of low snowmelt and absent rainfall has caused water levels in rivers, springs, and reservoirs to drop significantly.

Appeal from Governor Kompatscher

Governor Kompatscher called on the population to contribute after signing the decree. "Now it is essential that everyone does their part," the SVP politician said. He also pointed to the strategic importance of the steps: "With the adopted measures, we are taking an important step to ensure supply security and to protect the available water resources as best as possible."

The measures are limited in time and are to remain in effect until the situation on rivers and reservoirs has stabilized again. According to the information provided, how long the decree remains in force depends on further hydrological developments. If precipitation continues to be absent, an extension or tightening of the rules is to be expected.

South Tyrol has already taken restrictive measures against drought in previous summers. The situation is currently worsening because neighboring Trentino and parts of northern Italy are also lacking precipitation, affecting water levels along the entire length of the Adige.

Observers see the swift issuance as a signal to the public and to the economy to take the situation seriously. The coming weeks are considered decisive – not least with regard to agricultural irrigation and the needs of the tourism region.

APA reported on July 20, 2026, that the province is tightening controls on diversions and that municipalities are simultaneously being called on to adopt their own water-saving measures.