Low river flows could persist into December, while warm weather and little significant rainfall are forecast for the coming week.
On Tuesday, the Water Management Ministry warned that the Netherlands is facing a prolonged drought, with measures to retain and distribute freshwater coming under increasing pressure.
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In its weekly Drought Monitor, the ministry described the situation as “highly exceptional.” The Rhine’s discharge at Lobith, where the river enters the Netherlands from Germany, has fallen to 615 cubic meters per second, the lowest level ever recorded there.
Flows in the Meuse, a major river running through France and Belgium before entering the Netherlands, are also low, while groundwater levels across most of the country range from low to extremely low.
Low river flows could persist into December, while warm weather and little significant rainfall are forecast for the coming week, the Water Management Ministry’s bulletin stated.
The nationwide precipitation deficit is expected to reach around 300 mm, comparable to levels seen during the severe drought of 2018, the bulletin said, adding that in some regions, the deficit has already exceeded 400 mm.
The prolonged drought is taking an increasing toll on agriculture and ecosystems, with crop and environmental damage worsening in some regions. Water quality has also deteriorated, with blue-green algae and fish deaths reported in some areas.
Drinking water supplies remain secure, although rising salinity levels are causing growing concern and are being closely monitored at several drinking-water intake points.
Last month, the Dutch government raised the country’s water status from an “imminent water shortage” to an “actual water shortage” as persistent drought and high temperatures continued to strain water resources. Authorities have introduced measures to conserve freshwater and maintain water levels, including restricting lock operations in several areas to reduce water use.
teleSUR/ JF
Source: Xinhua
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