Severe Water Shortages Grip Southern Sweden Amid Ongoing Drought
Southern Sweden faces water shortages due to a dry winter, with experts urging conservation measures.
Key Points
- • Southern Sweden experiences significant water shortage due to a dry winter.
- • 12 counties affected, mainly in Götaland and southeastern Svealand.
- • Precipitation this year only at 75% of normal levels, impacting lakes and wells.
- • Residents advised to conserve water and collect rainwater.
Southern Sweden is facing a significant water shortage due to an unusually dry winter, affecting 12 counties primarily in Götaland and southeast Svealand. According to the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI), the precipitation this year has only reached 75% of the average levels, severely impacting water sources such as lakes and wells.
Fredrik Schück, a hydrologist from SMHI, reported that while no official warnings have been issued yet, it is crucial for residents to be mindful of their water usage. "We recommend collecting rainwater and watering gardens in the evening to minimize evaporation," Schück advised. With the persistent dry conditions, the situation could escalate, echoing past drought periods in 2016 and 2018 that resulted in low water levels.
As the drought continues, local authorities and SMHI emphasize the importance of water conservation measures. The call for residents to conserve water has been heightened, with practical suggestions for managing personal water use becoming increasingly vital as summer approaches.