Surviving Acqua Alta in Venice
When we were first searching for a property in Venice, we saw some beautiful apartments on the ground floor with little courtyards and gondolas slipping past. But the thought of owning a ground floor apartment and acqua alta happening when we were home in New Zealand filled us with horror! So we purchased Ca'Grisostomo on the first floor with a little balcony. However, we have now learnt that the city copes expertly with the high tides, it doesn’t close down really at all and everyday life goes on. Venetians are used to it, it is part of life and there are ways to prevent water taking over your property..
High tides are forecast well in advance by the City of Venice, so that apartments, shops and restaurants at ground level can prepare themselves. Some shops will close until the water has subsided, some shops and apartments put up a solid stainless steel thigh high gate across their doorway which keeps the water out completely. Some restaurants stay open and carry on regardless!
The chart above is from the City of Venice website it's showing 4 days of tides at the normal (green) level starting on 25 July 2016.
So you don't worry about it all, here are a few tips to help you be prepared and to survive high tide in Venice if you happen to be there when one occurs.
#1 Acqua Alta is the term used to describe the very high tides in Venice.
They happen quite frequently from November to February (winter) and less frequently in October and in March-April (Autumn and spring).
The water levels are influenced by Sirocco winds from Northern Africa, the North Eastern Bora wind, rain, the Moon, and also from changes that have been made in the lagoon over the many years Venice has been inhabited.
#2 The water levels are measured in cms above or below sea level. Anything above 110cms above sea level is regarded as acqua alta, athough Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square) begins to flood at about 80cms.
If the water level is 65-68 cms.
Expect to find some water on the ground in front of St.Marks' church entrance.
If the water level is up to 85cms.
Expect some big puddles in St.Mark's square and in some "calli" (streets) in Venice.
The middle area of St. Mark's Square will be dry, as it is not perfectly flat.
Wear water-proof boots!
If the water level is 90cms.
St. Mark's Square will be a lake of salty water.
Some vaporetto (water bus) routes will be cancelled and alternative routes will be used.This is because they won't be able to get under some bridges.
Things become quite confusing at vaporetto stops.
Lower areas in Venice can be accessed by walking on special passarelle (walkways) which are set up very quickly and efficiently wherever they are needed.
If the water level is 110cms.
You'll hear sirens: this informs everyone to get ready for a big tide.
Most shops and warehouses at ground level are likely to get flooded.
If the water level is from 120cms to 140cms.
Venetians will be starting to get worried!
#3 Acqua Alta is tidal, so it doesn’t last for very long. Just at the peak of the tide. Although it could last anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours before it has completely dissipated. It isn't a rush of water, just a gentle but quite fast tide coming in and then going out.
#4 The water doesn’t flood in everywhere. It comes up through drains in the low lying areas of the city at the beginning. Piazza San Marco (St Mark’s Square) is very low and usually starts flooding first. Areas right next to canals will flood, although some calli (streets) have been rebuilt at a higher level so they don't flood. Other areas don't flood at all. It depends on drainage systems, distance from canals, altitude of each particular area and no doubt all sorts of other things.
#5 You can still get around. Passarelle (walkways) are set up in advance along main thoroughfares that are likely to be flooded. These are set at 120cms above sea level and are easy to walk on. They can get crowded, so if you are on the way to or from the outside world this is another reason why it is best to try and reduce your luggage to a manageable size that you can handle on your own.
#6 Most vaporetti (water buses) will continue to run. Athough some vaporetti may be on a restricted service if they cannot fit under bridges or the pavement where the stop is located is too flooded. If you need to go somewhere it is worth checking which ones are operating using one of the apps listed below or at the main vaporetto stops.
#7 If you go out exploring during acqua alta, you will need a pair of boots. There is absolutely no need to fill your suitcase with gumboots or waders. Souvenir shops and stands in the main tourist areas sell disposable boots which you can wear over your shoes. There is also a new shop called Acqua Marea which sells very fancy, Italian boots and hardware stores sell them also.
#8 Whatever you do, don’t go barefoot. The water comes through drains and across footpaths, where there is rubbish and bacteria. Also there is the possibility of broken glass. Be super careful if you are walking along beside a canal, it is sometimes difficult to see the edge and, well, if you fell in you wouldn't look very cool......
#9 There are several ways you can find out about tide levels.
The City of Venice website displays four-day forecasts including tide levels
hi!tide Venice (google play) or hi!tide Venice (apple) is the official app for monitoring tides.
W.V.F. works in real time telling you which calli (streets) are flooded.
Sirens sound across the city when a very high acqua alta is expected soon.
This website gives you the tide forecast for the next few days.
