Laghi di Lavagnina, body of water
Laghi di Lavagnina are two man-made reservoirs in the Piedmont region of Italy. The upper lake was built in the late 1800s, while the larger lower lake was constructed between 1911 and 1917 to supply water and generate hydroelectric power for surrounding communities.
The reservoirs were built over about 30 years, starting with the upper lake in the 1890s for water supply. The larger lower lake followed two decades later as local communities grew and needed reliable water management and hydroelectric power for their expanding needs.
The reservoirs have long served the local communities by providing water for daily needs. Today, the site attracts visitors who come to walk the trails and experience the quiet rural character that defines this corner of the Piedmont region.
The main access starts from the paved road between Ovada and Lerma, with a turnoff leading to the lower lake. The final section becomes unpaved and climbs uphill, so sturdy shoes and drinking water are essential for a comfortable visit.
The upper lake has filled with sediment over time and is now only about 10 feet (3 meters) deep, serving as a settling basin to protect the larger lower reservoir. This gradual silting reveals how nature continuously adapts human engineering projects over decades.
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