Switzerland has restricted water use due to the drought
In many regions of the country, restrictions on water use have been imposed due to the prolonged heat wave and a critical drop in water levels. Local authorities have, in particular, banned filling swimming pools, watering lawns, and washing cars, and in some areas, water is already in short supply.
Due to the prolonged heat wave and lack of rainfall, the situation is becoming increasingly critical. According to MétéoSuisse, the highest drought alert level has been declared throughout the country. Water levels in many rivers and lakes have reached historic lows. Groundwater levels are low throughout the country and continue to decline.
Water conservation measures have been implemented in nearly all regions. And where the situation is most severe, additional restrictions are being imposed. In particular, in the south of the country, local authorities have banned filling swimming pools, watering lawns, and washing cars.
Since mid-June, it has been prohibited to draw water from most streams. This poses a serious problem, particularly for farmers.
“The situation is truly critical right now,” Ralph Bucher of the Aargau Farmers’ Union told reporters.
Over the past two weeks, meadows and pastures in many parts of the region have dried up. There are also signs of drought along the shores of Lake Zurich. Numerous rocks that are usually submerged are now exposed. Several boat tour companies have been forced to suspend some trips, and swimming competitions have been canceled.
The prolonged drought has led to a water shortage in Alpgschwend, near Mount Pilatus. Since the local spring no longer provides enough water, drinking water is being delivered to the mountains by tractors in mobile tankers.
In the Basel-Land region, the municipality of Langenbrugg has urged residents to conserve water. Watering lawns and hedges, filling swimming pools, ponds, and other reservoirs, and washing cars are prohibited.
Communities in the Rhine Valley in the canton of Graubünden are urging residents to conserve water. In the municipalities of Jenins and Malans, drawing water from fire hydrants for private use is prohibited in August. Specifically, this applies to watering lawns, filling swimming pools, or washing cars.
Journalists report that the riverbed of the Dub River is drying up. Consequently, the drought is having devastating effects on the environment: fish are dying, forests are suffering, and farmers are forced to use their winter feed reserves.
The newspaper Blick reports on this.
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