Rain slightly improves Salzburg groundwater levels

Recent rainfall has slightly improved groundwater levels in Salzburg, ORF reported, but readings remain low to very low, according to the Salzburg provincial hydrological service.

The latest heatwave severely dried out the province’s forests, and the risk of forest fires remains extremely high in some areas. Existing forest fire regulations will therefore remain in force, the provincial forestry directorate said on Wednesday.

Some groundwater measurements have reached historic lows. High evaporation rates have pushed the climate water balance in many places into the dry or extremely dry range, although rainfall in recent days has brought some relief.

Further, sometimes heavy rainfall is expected repeatedly over the next two weeks. High-pressure conditions could strengthen again from the second week of September, according to the latest report.

Public water supplies for indoor use have largely operated without problems. However, individual facilities in some regions reached their limits, requiring emergency water deliveries by the fire brigade or milk tankers. Overall, officials expect at least temporary relief for the water situation.