Study Warns of Massive Changes in Austria's Water Cycle

Evaporation Rises by 17 Percent

Haslinger explained the slowed increase with already dried-out soils: A key reason why evaporation has not risen quite as sharply in recent years is that the soils are 'increasingly drier and therefore less water is available that can additionally evaporate.' The recently very low-precipitation winter and spring are not pure outliers, but rather part of a climate-change-related marked trend.

According to the report, groundwater levels in Austria have fallen by an average of 30 to 50 centimeters over the past ten years, with regional differences. The decline is currently particularly pronounced in Salzburg, Upper Austria, and Carinthia. A clear decrease in water volume has also been observed in rivers.

Agriculture Minister Norbert Totschnig (VP) spoke at Tuesday's press conference of a 'marked trend shift in the Austrian water balance.' 'Rising temperatures and increasing drought are the most visible consequences of climate change,' Totschnig said. The changes pose major challenges for water management; developments must be recognized early and action must be based on a solid scientific foundation.

Government Announces Water Extraction Register

On the matter of nationwide monitoring of water extraction — a long-standing demand of many stakeholders — the minister announced a government draft for a 'water extraction register' with the goal of completing it by summer. Overall, the principle in Austria is that, in relation to the demands of industry and agriculture, 'drinking water always takes priority,' according to Totschnig, who pointed to a separate safety plan for drinking water. At the same time, Totschnig said Austria is not expected to face 'any shortages' going forward.

The researchers emphasize that precipitation patterns in Austria are changing, even though the annual total amount remains roughly the same. Summer precipitation, for instance, increased between 1980 and 2010 but has been declining since then. Recently, conditions have been particularly dry especially in the east and south of the country, but also in Salzburg.

Consequences for Agriculture and Water Management

The interim results of the comprehensive analysis are intended to form the basis for the next national water management plan as well as the national water strategy. The study results will also be used to update the water management adaptation strategy to climate change from 2011. It is to serve as the foundation for the next national water strategy.

Totschnig called for adapting agriculture to climate change through efficient irrigation measures and sustainable management practices. The head of the Water Balance Department at the Ministry of Agriculture, Korbinian Breinl, likewise pointed to the rising irrigation needs in domestic agriculture and forestry.

Criticism from Environmental Organizations

Criticism has come from civil society. Greenpeace stated that Austria is currently not well prepared for shrinking groundwater reserves. On Tuesday, WWF declared a nationwide 'Water Security Action Plan' for Austria in light of the interim results. WWF water expert Marie Pfeiffer called for water to be 'kept in the landscape much better. Every piped-over stream, every destroyed floodplain, and every sealed surface worsens the water crisis.'

The Umweltdachverband demanded a reduction in soil sealing, stronger decentralized water retention, and the protection of natural water reservoirs such as wetlands, wet meadows, and near-natural water bodies. Summarizing the findings with a view to the entire water cycle, Haslinger said: 'We see very massive changes in the water cycle.'

The study authors expect the decline in groundwater levels to continue in the coming decades. The final version of the analysis is expected in November.