In Munich, the capital of Bavaria, a state of emergency has been declared regarding water supply due to record-breaking heat, drought, and falling groundwater levels. This was announced on July 2 by the city’s mayor, Dominik Krause.
“We are facing an exceptional situation unseen since the early 1970s. A significantly increased demand for water caused by the prolonged heatwave is pushing Munich’s municipal water supply system to its limits. That is why we, as a city, will immediately implement water-saving measures,” the newspaper Bild quoted him as saying.
It is noted that due to the growing water shortage, the Munich authorities are introducing conservation measures. Although drinking water supply remains stable for now, the city is reducing water usage: window washing will be suspended, some decorative fountains will be turned off, and the operating hours of the rest will be significantly shortened.
According to the publication, residents are urged to use water more sparingly: refrain from washing cars, take showers instead of baths, turn off the tap while brushing teeth, and avoid filling pools. Authorities warn that if water consumption does not decrease, additional restrictions may be imposed.
On June 27, Reuters reported that Germany had recorded a new historical temperature record—thermometers exceeded 41 degrees Celsius. The extreme heatwave, triggered by a climatic phenomenon and already responsible for dozens of deaths in Western Europe, continues to shift eastward.
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