Taskforce monitors Upper Austria drinking water as drought lowers supplies

ORF reported that Upper Austria’s drinking water supply remains largely secure despite persistent drought, while falling groundwater levels and reduced spring flows are putting the region’s water resources under pressure.

There is no widespread drinking water shortage in the province. Under the national drinking water security plan, Upper Austria is currently at the “alertness” level, the first of four stages.

Environmental and Climate Councillor Stefan Kaineder of the Greens attributed the situation to measures taken in recent years. Investments in additional wells, larger storage facilities and connections with neighbouring suppliers have proved valuable. About 40 million euros is invested in Upper Austria’s drinking water infrastructure each year, while an additional 83 million euros was approved in 2023.

A regional taskforce is continuously monitoring the hydrological situation and working with municipalities and water suppliers to identify problems quickly and provide solutions. At a press conference on Wednesday, the taskforce said groundwater levels were particularly low in several regions.

According to data from the Hydrographic Service, precipitation this year is well below the long-term average. By the end of July, the region had received only 32 percent of its average long-term precipitation. Average temperatures were 1.3 degrees above the half-year average.

About 40 percent of groundwater monitoring stations recorded very low levels, while 55 percent reported low levels. Most surface waters are also experiencing low water levels.