Drought in Switzerland: Rösti excludes urgent and federal measures (cross-border guide)

Context

In a nutshell

• Federal Council rules out urgent federal drought measures
• A water deficit of 46% was recorded in Ticino during 2026
• Hazard level 4 is active throughout the national territory
• The ATS agency and the authorities constantly follow the evolution

Key facts

• What: Drought monitoring and cantonal water management
• When: August 2026 and recent developments reported by ATS
• Where: Switzerland and Ticino in particular
• Who: Federal Councillor Albert Rösti and Federal Council
• Amount: 46% water deficit and hazard level 4

Despite the persistence of the heat and the lack of rainfall, the Federal Council believes that the drought situation in Switzerland can still be managed directly by the Cantons. This was stated by Federal Councillor Albert Rösti, head of the Federal Department of the Environment, explaining that the Government is closely following the evolution of the situation and its effects on the different economic and social sectors of the country. According to the ATS agency, the water shortage is due to lack of precipitation and the prolonged heat that is affecting the entire Swiss Confederation.

Since 2025, the Confederation has had a national platform on drought that constantly monitors the situation and publishes alerts and danger levels at the national level. Currently the entire country is at hazard level 4, which

Operational details

The current situation analysis highlights the need for a tight coordination between the various Swiss institutional levels in managing the water resource. The division of competences assigns to the Cantons and Municipalities the task of adopting restrictive or supportive measures based on regional specifics. This decentralized organization allows for real-time interventions, responding to local emergencies without the need for a rigid and centralized intervention from Bern. However, the persistence of the hot season and the decrease in reserves in water basins and watercourses raise relevant questions about the sustainability of the national logistics and agricultural production.

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Key points

To effectively cope with the current situation and prevent potential inconveniences related to resource management, citizens and economic operators are called to follow the instructions issued by the cantonal and municipal authorities. Each Swiss municipality has the option to introduce specific restrictions on the use of potable water for non-essential purposes, such as irrigation of gardens or washing of cars, based on local directives. It is essential to regularly check the official information channels of your place of residence or work to learn about any bans on water intake from water courses or temporary restrictive ordinances in a timely manner.

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Source: rsi.ch