Low Water Levels: Danube Shipping Must Prepare for Restrictions

Causes: Lack of Rainfall and High Evaporation

According to viadonau, the causes of the low water are primarily meteorological: "Die niedrigen Wasserstände treten heuer aufgrund ausbleibender Niederschläge, einem insgesamt zu mildem Frühjahr, einem außergewöhnlich warmen Juni und aufgrund aktuell hoher Temperaturen, die mit einer Zunahme der Verdunstung einhergehen, auf." Local and short-term rainfall brings some relief, but "die 'Wirkung auf die großräumige Abflusssituation der Donau' werde jedoch 'begrenzt' bleiben." Even brief rainfall events have only a limited effect "aufgrund ihres begrenzten Auftretens nur gering auf den Wasserstand."

Cargo ships are the most affected by the restrictions. "Zum Teil würden die Schiffe – vor allem Güterschiffe – weniger beladen oder man warte auf höhere Pegelstände." In some cases, vessels are also "zum Teil weniger eingeladen, geleichtert oder abgewartet." The responsibility in such cases lies with the skippers and shipping companies, as viadonau emphasizes: "Die Verantwortung liege in diesen Fällen bei den Schiffsführern und den Reedereien." The company is seeking "problemlösend zu agieren und in Abstimmung mit ihren Kundinnen und Kunden Lösungen zu finden."

Impact on Cargo and Cruise Ships

Larger cruise ships traveling along the Danube are also among those affected. For example, DDSG Blue Danube is currently offering its Danube round-trip only on part of the route, as stated on the company's website. "Bei der Linienschifffahrt der DDSG Blue Danube werde derzeit ein eingeschränkter Fahrplan angeboten." Transport of cars on the Weißenkirchen ferry is also currently not possible due to the low water.

According to viadonau's assessment, passenger shipping tends to have somewhat fewer problems: "Bei der Personenschifffahrt gebe es tendenziell weniger Probleme." However, "auch hier Schiffe mit unterschiedlichen Tiefgängen." The Spitz ferry is running on its regular schedule on Friday and is transporting cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and passengers.

Outlook: Slight Recovery, but Continued Low Water

The outlook for the coming days is cautious: "Aktuell zeigen die Prognosen einen leichten Aufwärtstrend, in den kommenden Tagen werden die Wasserstände noch unter Regulierungswasser liegen." Water levels are expected to remain "vorübergehend niedrig." The ongoing drought of recent weeks has also affected Lower Austria's largest river, the Danube.

All-Clear in Ostwestfalen: Drinking Water Ban Lifted

Separately, the water supply association (WBV) "Am Wiehen" has lifted the drinking water ban that had been in place for around one month for the municipalities of Bad Oeynhausen, Hille, Hüllhorst, and Löhne. According to the association, consumption has returned to a normal level, mainly due to cooler weather and the holiday season. The annually available drinking water quantity remains tight, however, which is why the drinking water traffic light remains on "Red."

According to the municipality of Hille, the lifting takes effect on the day of the announcement — 24 July 2026. Residents may now use tap water without restrictions again, including for watering lawns and filling pools. The association continued to call for careful use of drinking water, however, since the situation could worsen quickly again should the drought persist.