THE HAGUE, July 16 (Xinhua) -- The Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management on Thursday raised the country's water status from an "imminent water shortage" to an "actual water shortage" as persistent drought and high temperatures continue to strain water resources.
Prolonged dry weather has significantly reduced the amount of water entering the Netherlands through rainfall and major rivers, while demand has increased amid the warm summer, the ministry said. River discharges, the volume of water flowing through rivers at specific locations, have fallen to historically low levels, and the situation is expected to persist in the coming weeks.
In response, water authorities have begun implementing measures to manage the distribution of available water. Under the national water allocation framework, public safety remains the top priority. Water will first be allocated to drought-sensitive dikes and flood defenses to prevent damage such as cracking, while drinking water supplies and energy production will also receive priority.
The ministry emphasized that the country's drinking water supply has not been affected and that tap water remains available nationwide. It nevertheless urged households, businesses and farmers to use water responsibly to help conserve supplies during the prolonged dry spell.
According to the National Water Distribution Coordination Committee of the Water Management Centre Netherlands, July has so far brought little significant rainfall, while temperatures have remained above average. The national precipitation deficit has risen to around 200 mm, comparable to the exceptionally dry conditions experienced in 2018. Groundwater levels across most of the country are also low to very low for this time of year. ■