The Czech Republic is currently facing a water shortage crisis, despite receiving average rainfall in 2022. This has been attributed to a change in the frequency and intensity of rainfall, coupled with rising temperatures due to climate change, resulting in water disappearing from the landscape faster than desired. The Index of Prosperity, a joint project by Czech bank Česká spořitelna, the data portal Europe in Data, and research agency IPSOS, has ranked the Czech Republic as the worst in the European Union at managing water.

Jan Danhelka, director of hydrology at the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute, confirmed that drought has persisted since 2015, especially in groundwater. Despite average rainfall of 634mm, which represents 93% of the long-term average, the country is expected to continue to face drought this year. The primary reason for the lack of water in the landscape is climate change, which has been increasing the average annual air temperature.

Professor Miroslav Trnka of Mendel University explained that the temperature has demonstrably risen, which ultimately negatively affects water reserves, as nature simply consumes more water at higher temperatures. Statistics from the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute showed that 2022 was another year of above-average temperatures, ranking as the fifth warmest year since 1961, with an average annual air temperature of 9.2°C, 0.9°C higher than the 1991-2020 normal.

To combat the water shortage, the Czech government plans to introduce water-saving measures, such as increasing water prices and introducing regulations for industry and agriculture. These measures will help to ensure that the country’s water resources are used efficiently and sustainably. The government has also encouraged citizens to conserve water by fixing leaks, taking shorter showers, and not watering their lawns during the hottest parts of the day.

The situation in the Czech Republic serves as a reminder of the importance of water conservation, particularly in the face of climate change. As temperatures continue to rise, water resources are likely to become scarcer, making it essential for governments, industries, and individuals to take action to manage water efficiently and sustainably.

Article by Prague Forum