Researchers discover huge freshwater deposits near Venice

In the northern Italian coastal region near Venice, researchers have discovered a huge deposit of trapped fresh water. According to the Consorzio di Bonifica Adige Euganeo association, the underground water reservoir extends to an estimated 25,000 to 30,000 hectares - "an area comparable to the entire Lake Garda," explains engineer and project manager Lorenzo Frison on the association's website.

Frison speaks of an “underground lake” of trapped fresh water. He also calls the deposit Aquitard – a type of underground sponge made of clay or clay. The water is therefore located in deep water-bearing geological layers.

“These sediments, which formed partly in a marine environment and partly during phases of land uplift – estimated between 10,000 and 22,000 years ago – serve as a natural barrier between the sand layers in which the groundwater is located,” explains Dr. Sandra Donnici, lead researcher on the project.

According to current knowledge, this means that it is comparatively little affected by the increasing intrusion of salt water in the region. One reason for salinization is partly the rising of seawater in rivers. This is at least partly a consequence of climate change, for example because rivers carry less water.

The researchers explain that the groundwater near the surface is already heavily salinized. The salt content reached 14 grams per liter at a depth of seven meters. Although this is less than seawater, which typically contains 35 grams per liter, it is still harmful to agricultural crops.

The findings come from the European research project SWAMrisk, in which Croatian researchers were also involved. A main objective was to study the impacts of climate change on coastal groundwater systems in the Adriatic Sea in order to limit drought risks and saltwater intrusion and ensure water supplies in the future.

However, it is not yet clear how large the actual water volume of the new deposit is and to what extent the water could be used. The news raises great hope in the region. It is an important discovery, said Matteo Baldan, deputy leader of the Fratelli d'Italia party in the Veneto regional council.

“It could be big news for a wide area and offer an additional opportunity to deal with future water crises – including in agriculture,” said the politician. “It is a very significant deposit that requires further exploration.”

It is important to clarify what options there are for environmentally friendly use so that this potential resource can be developed without affecting the hydrogeological balance.