The Voltabarozzo Hydraulic Model Experimental Centre, a section of the Venice Water Authority, was set up in 1969 to perform studies and experiments on physical and mathematical models in support of measures to safeguard the area. The aim was to verify the feasibility of particularly innovative and complex measures by carrying out a preliminary evaluation of the design hypotheses and chosen solution.

The Centre's structures are dedicated to two areas of activity: studies and experiments in support of measures to safeguard Venice implemented by the Consorzio Venezia Nuova on behalf of the Water Authority in line with the Special Law on Venice and studies and experiments in support of land defence measures (river improvement and diversion structures, barrages), also implemented by other bodies and authorities.

As regards the safeguarding of Venice and its lagoon, numerous model-based studies have been performed in support of design-work on the high water defence system and measures to reinforce the coastline and reconstruct morphological structures in the lagoon such as salt marshes. A number of models have been used for this purpose including a general physical model of the Venice lagoon on 1:250 scale in plan and 1:20 scale in altitude and covering an area of about 16,000 m²; physical models of the Lido, Malamocco and Chioggia lagoon inlets on 1:60 scale; models of a row of gates on 1:10, 1:30 and 1:60 scale; small and large canals for wave motion tests and a tank for marine models.

Over the years, the Centre's activities have extended from the model sector to new areas of research. These include new computerised technological activities such as the acquisition and management of information on the geology and geomorphology of the Venice lagoon and updating and management of radar and meteorological data. A fixed GPS station has also been set up which, together with other stations at Chioggia, Cavallino, and Treviso, enable elevations in the lagoon area and thus subsidence to be monitored.

Finally, a new and important chemical analysis laboratory for the study of organic micro-pollution in the Venice lagoon has been set up at the Centre. This is a new and important instrument for analysing the sediment, water and biota samples taken during systematic monitoring of the Venice lagoon. In particular, the laboratory specialises in the study of organic micro-pollutants and is organised in such a way that it can follow the programming phase of monitoring, then sampling and transport of the samples, analysis of the samples and finally certification and management of the data acquired. The new centre responds to the need for ever more in-depth knowledge about the quality of the lagoon environment. To achieve this it is fundamental to extend the parameters controlled and use ever more modern instruments and technologies.

In more strictly technical terms this is a "high resolution" laboratory (necessary to analyse micro-pollutants) enabling "POPs" (Persistent Organic Pollutants) such as dioxins and furans (PCFF/PCDF), aromatic polycyclic hydrocarbons (IPAs), polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) and other highly toxic environmental pollutants (organostannic compounds, pesticides and semivolatile organic compounds) to be analysed. When setting up the laboratory, the most advanced criteria were adopted to guarantee not just the most in-depth and sophisticated data analysis, but also maximum operator safety.
The laboratory's work therefore makes an indispensable technical and scientific contribution to the activities of the Water Authority both to safeguard the lagoon ecosystem in line with the Special Law for the safeguarding of Venice through the Consorzio Venezia Nuova and according to legislation on the control of waters flowing into the lagoon via its Pollution Abatement Section. But this is not all: the potential of the new centre, able to analyse more than 1000 samples per year, is enormous, enabling it not just to cover the needs of the Water Authority but also to provide possible technical support for other Authorities.