Leak in Italian Reservoir: 15,000 Liters of Water Lost Per Second

The Italian Lago di Zoccolo in the province of South Tyrol is at risk of draining due to a leak. With 15,000 liters of water escaping per second, the water level in the reservoir has already dropped by about 14 meters, and the end is not yet in sight.

The issue was discovered a few days ago. Water is flowing through a hole in an 80-meter-deep tunnel at a rate higher than what is normally released to generate electricity. Repairing the defect is impossible without first draining the tunnel.

The cause of the hole remains unknown. The lake is inspected twice a year, with the last inspection occurring in November. Lago di Zoccolo, known locally as Zoggler Stausee, is 3 kilometers long, up to 600 meters wide, and normally 60 meters deep.

Authorities assure there is no danger to nearby residents. The dam is stable, and the downstream river can handle the extra water. However, some residents have relocated as a precaution.

The leak disrupts hydroelectric power generation and tourism, as a muddy plain is less appealing than a scenic Alpine lake. The timing is unfortunate, as the lake should be refilling with mountain meltwater. If the leak continues, the lake will be empty in 25 days.