Munich Declares Water Emergency: Mayor Krause Urges Conservation Amid Shortage

Munich has declared a water supply emergency, prompting city authorities to urge all residents to conserve water. This decision was made against the backdrop of record heat and prolonged drought, which have led to a significant drop in groundwater levels, as reported by Bild, citing «European Pravda».

Munich Mayor Dominik Krause has established a task force to coordinate measures for the prudent use of water resources. He noted that the city is facing an unprecedented situation, unlike anything seen since the early 1970s. The increased demand for water due to the prolonged heat is pushing Munich's municipal water supply system to its limits. Therefore, the city is immediately taking steps to conserve water.

Although the supply of drinking water is currently secured, to maintain this stability, city authorities have announced radical cutbacks. Specifically, window washing will be suspended, and at least ten of the city's 150 decorative fountains will be shut off. According to the city administration, this will save 43% of the total water consumption of all fountains. Additionally, the operating hours of 56 fountains will be reduced from 14 to ten hours per day.

Municipal utilities have also provided Munich residents with tips on reducing water consumption: avoid washing cars, opt for showers instead of baths, turn off the tap while brushing teeth, and do not fill children's or adult swimming pools. Mayor Krause appealed to all Munich residents to help conserve water, emphasizing that every unused liter helps alleviate the situation. He also added that if water consumption does not decrease, more drastic measures will have to be taken, though he did not specify what these might be. It is worth noting that last week in Belgian Flanders, water consumption surged to a record daily high for the past five years amid hot temperatures, and the European Commission issued a «dramatic warning» due to the June heatwave.