Salzburg mountain huts see more stays but face water shortages

A hot, dry summer brought more overnight stays to Alpine Club huts in Salzburg, but drought put drinking-water supplies at many huts under pressure, ORF Salzburg reported.

Many people sought respite at cooler elevations. Peter Kraus, a board member of the Salzburg branch of the Austrian Alpine Club, said high-altitude water systems had been severely tested. The club has moved water collection points, developed new springs and added containers and canisters to store water.

The cost of securing and expanding drinking-water supplies is not yet known. Individual huts are expected to submit detailed funding requests in November.