The Netherlands is officially facing a water shortage, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management announced. The National Committee for the Coordination of Water Distribution (LCW) has recommended that the situation be raised to the second level of alert for real water shortages.
Authorities and water supply companies are considering new measures for distributing available reserves, although it has not yet been decided which concrete measures will be implemented. The Dutch government emphasizes that drinking water continues to be available, but citizens are urged to use it carefully and avoid wasting it, media reports.
The water shortage is expected to initially affect river shipping, industry and agriculture. Low water levels make it difficult for ships to navigate, forcing them to carry less cargo to avoid getting stuck at the bottom of rivers. Factories may also face restrictions on discharging water for cooling, as shallower rivers heat up more quickly.
Earlier, on July 1, the Netherlands was placed on the first level of warning for possible water shortages. Now the country has moved to level two, while level three would mean a full-blown water crisis. River levels have continued to fall due to drought and high temperatures.
In some areas, canals and streams have dried up, while authorities are preparing measures such as the use of dams and additional pumps to maintain fresh water supplies. /Telegraph