The Dutch authorities have increased the level of preparedness for the effects of the drought from the “threat of water scarcity” to the regime of “actual water scarcity,” the country’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Resources said in a statement.
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“On the recommendation of the National Coordination Commission for the Allocation of Water Resources (LCW), it was decided to raise the level from ‘threat of water scarcity’ (level 1) to ‘actual water scarcity (level 2),'” the authorities said in a statement on Thursday.
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According to the ministry, this was required due to the record low water levels in the rivers and the continuing hot weather.
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According to the authorities, the inflow of water into the country has decreased due to lack of precipitation and low river flow, while water consumption remains high in summer. This situation is expected to continue in the coming weeks.
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Water supply companies, provinces, and relevant ministries are introducing additional measures to distribute water supplies more efficiently. In particular, the operating mode of dams on the Rhine branches is being changed, additional pumps are being installed, and the locks will be opened less frequently to reduce the penetration of salt water. This will lead to longer waiting times for ships.
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In addition, restrictions on water intake from groundwater, rivers and canals are already in effect in a number of regions, so the use of water for irrigation is prohibited or restricted.
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At the same time, the authorities emphasize that drinking water remains affordable, there is no threat to the water supply of the population.
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In the middle of June, abnormally hot weather was observed in Europe. In a number of countries, the air temperature rose to around 40 degrees, and in some places even exceeded it. The highest, red weather danger level was introduced in France, Britain, the Netherlands and Italy.
