Povodí Moravy: Rainfall is scarce, but reservoirs hold enough water for drinking supplies

The state enterprise Povodí Moravy says that despite the lack of rainfall, reservoirs on the Morava River and its tributaries currently hold enough water to ensure an uninterrupted drinking water supply for the population. The most critical situation is emerging in areas that rely on shallow groundwater sources — reserves of subsurface water lying close to the surface.

According to the company, group water mains that draw water from reservoirs are far more reliable when it comes to supply security. All reservoirs currently have sufficient water reserves to cover the needs of water utilities that supply the population with drinking water. Demand for water is also expected to ease further as the harvest of certain crops wraps up.

Flow regulation is being tightened

However, as water levels drop, the need to regulate outflow is growing. According to Povodí Moravy CEO David Fina, the Vír and Hubenov reservoirs are now under the second degree of regulation, meaning the volume of water released into the riverbed beyond the natural flow must be reduced. The Vranov reservoir has already moved to the third degree of regulation: in addition to limiting the discharge of water into the Dyje River, water withdrawals for irrigation have also been adjusted. Even in this situation, reservoirs — including those used for drinking water supply — are significantly helping to maintain river flow, Fina noted.

The current hydrological situation and forecasts for its development were discussed on Wednesday at a meeting of the "Drought" working group. Representatives of regional water management authorities and major water consumers took part in the discussion. According to Fina, the purpose of the meeting was to exchange information on how the situation is evolving, forecasts, possible measures, and the expected demand for water supplies in the coming months.

Forecasts in case the drought continues

For individual reservoirs, the company has developed mathematical models of how the situation might unfold, using real data from 2017 and 2018 as well as a theoretical scenario of extreme drought. According to the director of Povodí Moravy, it's important to note that even if the extremely dry weather continues this year, drinking water supplies will be secured. However, if an extreme drought of the same intensity persists into next year as well, additional measures will be needed — and preparations for them should begin well in advance.

The state enterprise Povodí Moravy is responsible for the management, operation and maintenance of watercourses and hydraulic structures in the Morava River basin. It oversees nearly 11,000 kilometers of watercourses, more than 1,100 kilometers of protective dikes, 30 major reservoirs, 137 small reservoirs, 15 small hydroelectric power plants, 13 navigation locks and 175 dams.

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Around Prague, based on reporting by ekolist.cz