Czech Republic confronts severe drought as river levels fall and reservoirs deplete

Hydrological data indicates the Czech Republic is experiencing one of its driest years since 1961, with nationwide precipitation down roughly 34 percent compared to long-term averages. The sustained deficit has depleted groundwater tables and left river flows in Moravia and other regions far below typical seasonal norms.

In response to falling levels across the Vltava cascade, water management authorities have prepared contingency measures to tap emergency reserves from the Slapy reservoir if the Orlík dam declines further. While the government has earmarked 4 billion korunas (€158 million) and proposed legislation to accelerate reservoir construction, environmental researchers argue that building new dams provides limited relief when river flows are already exhausted. Experts urge a strategic shift toward systemic landscape water retention, soil preservation, and agricultural adaptation.

Sources: Český rozhlas Plus, Deník N, Hospodářské noviny, iROZHLAS, Seznam Zprávy.