Czech Republic confronts severe hydrological drought as reservoirs drop and streams run dry

Hydrological drought continues to strain the Czech Republic's water systems during one of its driest periods since 1961, with rainfall levels lagging 34 percent below historical averages. The acute shortfall has severely depleted groundwater supplies and caused regional waterways to dry up, forcing local volunteers in areas such as Jičín to relocate stranded aquatic wildlife from empty riverbeds.

Water management authorities along the Vltava river cascade are preparing emergency protocols, noting that continued drops at the Orlík reservoir will trigger drawing from reserves at Slapy—an operational measure typically needed once every 50 years. Meanwhile, researchers warn of long-term desertification risks in southern Moravia and the Elbe basin. Amid broader European heatwaves, recent polling indicates widespread public concern over extreme temperatures, driving calls from municipal leaders and environmental experts for improved landscape water retention and heat adaptation measures.

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