txt: High water in Venice: frequently asked questions (FAQ) - City of Venice

 

What happens in Venice when there's a high tide? Venice and Venetians have always been used to coping with "acqua alta". These are the City Administration's measures in case of high tide: if there's a sea level forecast of +110 cm on the mareographic zero, the population is alerted by acoustic signals and with text messages (for those registered at the free high tide information service of the City Tide Centre - Centro Maree Comunale). At the same time, elevated platforms are set along the main streets to allow passage. Public waterbuses keep on working, although some lines may be subject to changes. In any case access to most of the town is guaranteed. Only when exceptional high waters occur (higher than 120 cm on the mareographic zero) the famous "acqua alta boots" are really needed, but even on these occasions the inconvenience last just as long as it takes for the water to go down again, which usually happens in a few hours.

 

link: www.comune.venezia.it - City of Venice website