Climate change threatens our water reserves: alarm level red for the future!

Climate change threatens our water reserves: alarm level red for the future!

The alarming drought that Austria has hit in the past few months ensures major challenges in various areas. Thomas Blank from the water management department emphasizes that the snow conditions in the mountains are alarming. This situation primarily influences hydropower use in Vorarlberg. According to the Illweren/VKW, a noticeable decline in electricity production has already been used, which could have a dangerous impact on energy supply. However, Blank emphasizes that the groundwater and drinking water supply are not acutely at risk despite the difficult situation. This is a ray of hope, especially for municipalities that rely on spring water, since the groundwater level is still available, albeit under the long -term means.

climate change and drinking water supply

As the Austrian association reports for the gas and water subject, climate change is a central challenge that also affects drinking water supply. The country is unique in its dependence on groundwater, which is obtained from sources and wells. These water supplies are particularly worth protecting. However, low -snow winter lead to a difficult new formation of groundwater, since the rain often penetrates less effectively into the ground. In addition, water resources in many regions are heavily used due to intensive agriculture and urban sealing, which can lead to bottlenecks. Climate change changes the rain patterns and shapes water availability.

In order to maintain the supply, the water suppliers have taken numerous measures since the dry year 2003. This includes the expansion of line networks and the water exchange between neighboring communities in emergencies. The immediate danger remains away, but it is essential to promote a conscious handling of the valuable resource of water: garden owners and farmers have to use innovative, water -saving technologies in order to reduce the average water consumption and to prevent bottlenecks in drinking water supply.