Recent monitoring activities have revealed a serious issue of pollution in the lake in Desenzano, where WWF volunteers have recovered over 25 kilograms of contaminated materials along the beaches. These waste materials, originating from sewage discharges and overflows, come in various forms, some solidified into calcified blocks with diameters reaching up to half a meter. The volunteers’ intervention highlighted the urgent need to separate sewage systems from stormwater systems to prevent further damage to the local ecosystem.
Paolo Zanollo, the WWF representative in the area, reported that the overflows are not functioning properly, and every rainfall leads to the regular release of polluted water into the lake. The collected materials contain hazardous substances such as detergents and heavy metals, posing a threat to both aquatic wildlife and bathers. Furthermore, the situation is exacerbated by the presence of fecal bacteria detected years ago in the Rio Pescala, with no significant action taken by the relevant authorities. The message is clear: an immediate action plan is necessary to address this environmental emergency.