Water shortage looms in the Netherlands as drought continues

The risk of a serious water shortage in the Netherlands has increased due to persistent drought, low river levels, and high water demand. Agriculture and shipping companies will be the first to feel the effects.

River levels lower than usual for this time of year

According to the chairman of the National Water Distribution Coordination Committee (LCW) Harold van Waveren, the river levels are much lower than usual for this time of year. “We are seeing water levels that occur on average only once every 20 years. The precipitation deficit is also at a level seen approximately once every 20 years," he told NOS.

This, alongside the persistent drought, which is showing similarities to the harsh drought of 1976, and increasing demand for water caused by recent heatwaves, means the LCW has scaled up water warnings to level 1, an impending water shortage.

It is looking likely that this could even be ramped up to a level 2 this month, which indicates an actual water shortage. This would mean that the Netherlands has a higher demand for water than what is available. A level 3 would indicate a water crisis, whereupon the Ministry of Justice and Security would take over from the LCW and establish a national crisis centre. 

"Due to the heat, more water evaporates and plants need more. At the same time, the discharge of the Rhine and Meuse is also decreasing in Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, and France. Water demand is therefore rising, while the supply is actually decreasing," explains Van Waveren. 

Dutch residents urged to conserve drinking water

Drinking water will not necessarily be impacted during a water shortage, with Van Waveren pointing out to AD that residents are more likely to experience a drop in water pressure during peak times when everyone is opening the tap at the same time. Shipping, on the other hand, would suffer as water levels are too low for ships to travel through locks, as well as agriculture when spraying is no longer allowed. 

While the consequences of a possible water shortage would be limited for many people in the Netherlands, Van Waveren calls on residents to use drinking water sparingly. Waterboards have issued similar warnings, asking residents to conserve water by taking shorter showers instead of having a bath, for example.

There are concerns about the rest of the summer as the current water levels are usually only seen at the end of the season. "It is only the beginning of July and the summer still has two months to go. If this drought continues, it could become a serious drought.”

Van Waveren goes on to compare the current situation with 1976’s drought. "That is our reference year. I hope we don't experience a summer like that again, but due to climate change, that chance is increasing."