Drought puts a strain on Swiss waterways (cross-border guide)
Eleven measuring stations reached an all-time low in July
Context
Drought is a situation of lean waterways, occurring every 2-10 years, every 30-100 years or even at even longer intervals. This situation is particularly severe in the northern Alps, where the flow of waterways has rarely been so low.
According to data from the Federal Office for the Environment (Ufam), Swiss waterways were affected by a severe drought between 2019 and 2020. At that time, the flow rate of the Rhine River, which crosses the canton of Basel-Country, was only 4.5 m3/s, compared to 45 m3/s in 2018. The drought also had a significant impact on hydroelectric production, with a 25% reduction compared to the previous year.
Drought is caused by a combination of factors, including poor rainfall, global warming, and excessive use of water for irrigation and energy production. According to data from the Swiss Water Board (SWA), water use for irrigation increased by 20% between 2015 and 2020.
The Swiss government has taken several measures to mitigate the effects of the drought. In 2020, the Federal Water Act (LSA) was passed, providing for the establishment of a national water resources management plan. The plan provides for the creation of a water resources monitoring and management system, as well as the implementation of water conservation and recovery projects.
In addition, the government
Operational details
The Plateau and the Jura are particularly affected by drought. The phenomenon is evident on the Doubs river, at the height of Ocourt (JU), and on the Rhine, in Basel. In the Rhineland city, river flows have remained below the multi-year average since the beginning of the year, with the exception of February.
The situation is critical especially for rural areas, where water scarcity can have serious consequences for agriculture and livestock. According to data from the Canton Jura Hydrological Service, rainfall was 30% lower than the historical average in July. This led to a reduction in river flow rates of about 40%.
The situation is similar in Canton Aargau, where drought has particularly affected agricultural areas. According to data from the Aargau Canton Hydrological Service, rainfall was 25% lower than the historical average in August. This led to a reduction in the flow rates of the River Aar by about 35%.
The Swiss Confederation has implemented several measures to counteract the effects of the drought. According to the Federal Law of 18 December 2015 on Water Resources Management (LSH), federal and cantonal authorities must work together to manage water resources efficiently and sustainably. The aim is to ensure a sufficient water supply for rural and urban areas.
To deal with drought, it is important to implement different
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Key points
The temporary rainfall in the first half of last week did not significantly improve the flow rates of the affected waterways. In Switzerland, only streams whose flow is strongly influenced by the melting of glaciers escape the effects caused by repeated episodes of heat.
According to data from the Federal Office for the Environment (Ufam), the average temperature of Swiss surface waters has increased by about 1.5°C compared to levels at the end of the nineteenth century. This increase is particularly evident in lakes and mountain rivers, where the temperature can reach up to 20°C in summer. This phenomenon is due to the decrease in the amount of snow and ice present in the region.
The situation is particularly critical in the cantons of the Northeast, where drought has caused a reduction in river flow of about 30% compared to average levels. In particular, the river Aare, which crosses the cantons of Bern and Solothurn, has seen a reduction in its flow rate of about 25% in the last 10 years.
The 2014 Federal Water Protection Act (LPAw) provides for the creation of a surface water monitoring and management system. According to this legislation, local authorities are responsible for the management of surface water and the protection of aquatic ecosystems. The LPAw also provides for the creation of a water protection fund, which has been financed
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Source: swissinfo.ch
Frequently Asked Questions
- What causes drought?
- Drought is caused by a combination of climatic and geographical factors.
- How many streams have been affected by the drought?
- Eleven measuring stations hit an all-time low in July.
- What are the areas most affected by drought?
- The Plateau and the Jura are particularly affected by drought.