Low Water Levels in Austria: WWF Warns of Stress for Rivers and Groundwater

Other rivers in the eastern federal states were also severely affected. At the Thaya near Raabs and the Leitha near Deutsch Haslau in Lower Austria, the deficit was 75 percent in each case. The Pinka near Oberwart in Burgenland carried 69 percent less water, the Vöckla near Vöcklabruck in Upper Austria 67 percent, and the March near Angern in Lower Austria 64 percent.

Consequences for Fish and Waterways

The low runoffs have direct consequences for the animal and plant life along the waterways. WWF expert Marie Pfeiffer warned: „Viele Flüsse gehen stark geschwächt in den Hochsommer." The high temperatures warm shallow sections more quickly and put fish and other aquatic species under pressure.

Pfeiffer added with a view to the upcoming hot days: „Jeder weitere Hitzetag verschärft daher den Stress für Fische und andere Gewässerarten." She called for swift political responses and pointed to the pressure that climate change is putting on water supply.

Groundwater Also Under Pressure

In addition to the rivers, groundwater is also affected by the drought. According to the ÖVGW, more than 80 percent of groundwater gauges currently show below-average low water levels. This affects the reserves that must be kept available for heat periods and rising drinking water demand.

The ÖVGW also pointed to the concerns of water suppliers. „Wir müssen die Forderungen der Wasserversorger ernst nehmen und das Regierungsprogramm schnellstmöglich umsetzen", the statement said. This is intended to ensure supply security even in dry summers.

The WWF expert also stressed that intact waterways and sufficient groundwater are relevant not only ecologically but also socially. „Davon profitieren nicht zuletzt auch wir alle", said Pfeiffer. Clean rivers secured recreational spaces and were a locational factor for rural areas.

Eastern Region Particularly Affected

The situation is particularly tense in the east of Austria, Pfeiffer explained. The combination of low precipitation, high evaporation, and rising water demand is pushing rivers to the limits of their capacity. For the coming weeks, experts expect further falling gauges.

The WWF therefore calls for concrete measures: renaturation of river courses, restoration of floodplains, and better management of groundwater bodies. Pfeiffer stated that the „rasante Klimaveränderung erhöht den Handlungsdruck". Without swift countermeasures, a worsening of the situation threatens in the coming summers.

Demands on Policymakers

The water sector is also responding. According to the ÖVGW, suppliers are preparing for bottlenecks at individual springs and are examining interconnecting pipelines to compensate regions with scarce resources. Irrigation bans in particularly affected areas are not ruled out.

Hydrologists point out that the situation is not an isolated case. In past years, Austria repeatedly saw below-average runoffs in the summer months. According to experts, a trend reversal can only be expected through fewer greenhouse gas emissions and more nature-based water retention in the landscape.

Everyday Tips

For the neighboring communities, the current situation means above all one thing: increased attention. Fire departments and waterworks are monitoring gauges closely. Agriculture is also affected because irrigation water is becoming scarcer and yield losses in crops such as corn or soybeans are threatening.

The reports from the WWF and ÖVGW align in content and both emphasize the urgency of action. While the WWF puts the protection of ecosystems at the forefront, the ÖVGW focuses on drinking water supply and fire protection. Both sides call for the swift implementation of the water protection measures announced in the government program.

With a view to the coming weeks, experts advise using water sparingly and avoiding waste. Watering gardens with drinking water should also be reduced and, if possible, switched to rainwater. Every liter saved eases the strained systems.