LAKE GARDA Lake water is one of the most important elements in the economical history of our city. Nowadays it is very important for tourism, the main economic resource in Desenzano.

Since ancient times, Desenzano has been a privileged place of settlement thanks to its Mediterranean climate and its geographical location. Evidence of Roman settlements in the area are the precious archaeological remains of an ancient Roman Villa.

Since the Roman times, transport by water has been used as an alternative way of communication in Desenzano. In the XV century, water coming from a stream was brought to the castle in the heart of the village through a system of locks to fill the moat, an important element of the defense system of the town

Water would flow down from the castle to the lake setting on its way the mills in motion for the grinding of corn that would then be sold at the local market. Nowadays, a very famous weekly market takes place in Desenzano every Tuesday. On this occasion local and biological products are sold.

Fishing has always constituted a feeding and economical resource, especially in the past, when Desenzano was a fishermen’s town. The Cavallaro family is unfortunately the only family left keeping on this tradition

The lake also acts as an important reservoir for the aqueducts and for the cultivations in the lowland. Water from the lake arrives to the surrounding countryside, the amphitheatre of the Morainic Hills, through the river Mincio. On the lake, it is possible to practice water sports such as sailing, surfing and swimming, attractions for tourists from all over the world.

Garda uno The “Garda Uno” company was born in 1974 to safeguard the environmental ecosystem of Lake Garda. The company mainly operates in the water service (aqueducts, sewers, and water purification), in urban hygiene services and in the production of renewable energy.

Water This service covers a water network that extends for 1500km. The water is collected from wells, natural sources and the lake. The company also deals with sewer services and purification.

Sewers and Purification According to the most recent trends in the water conservation field the construction of a phytopurification system is in progress, so that wetlands can then be transformed into fertile soil and be used for agriculture. In linea con le attuali tendenze di conservazione dell'acqua è in fase di realizzazione un impianto di fitodepurazione finalizzata a un suo riutilizzo nell'agricoltura. Il servizio di fognatura e di depurazione raccoglie i liquami e li convoglia al depuratore centralizzato di Peschiera del Garda.

About consumption The consumption of water is constantly increasing and water sources have reached a limit, in fact consumption has grown on average by 2.3 each year. The water plants of three municipalities in the Lake area, have reached their limit of production; this is why one of the wells used to collect lake water is active 23 hours a day.

How can we save money? “Water check-points” have been created in 7 municipalities around Brescia able to supply cool, natural, sparkling and, what's more, filtered water free of charge to the citizens. The aim of this initiative, is to decrease the levels of bottled-water consumption thus reducing by 50% the circulation of plastic and guaranteeing a free service to the citizens, who will be able to save up to 350 euro a year thanks to this innovative service.

is used to keep the lake clean from algae and dirt. Garda Uno also checks the suitability of bathing: 10 years ago 90% of the lake beaches could be used by people, nowadays, 99% of them are accessible, considering that bathing restrictions in Italy are the strictest in Europe. The best quality water, despite common belief, comes from the lake: collection points for lake water are generally found at about 50 metres under water where there are no algae or fish. The company’s purification plants have rendered Lake Garda one of the cleanest lakes in Europe. A “cleaning boat” is used to keep the lake clean from algae and dirt. The company also has to meet the needs of tourism and must intensify its functionality during the summer season because in this period the citizen number of the Southern lake coast increases from 100.000 to 300.000 inhabitants.