Alpine water management: Calls for new reservoirs and climate risk assessments

Environmental and political groups in the Alps are calling for increased water management infrastructure to combat climate change impacts, though safety and conservation concerns remain prominent.

In Austria, the WWF has called on Environment Minister Norbert Totschnig to order an independent climate risk analysis for the Gepatsch-Speicher reservoir in the Kaunertal. The organization warns that melting permafrost near the reservoir could destabilize rock faces, potentially causing landslides that trigger dangerous flood waves. The WWF is also requesting a suspension of the environmental impact assessment for the Kaunertal power plant expansion, which includes a planned 42-million-cubic-meter reservoir.

In Switzerland, the Green Liberal Party (GLP) is advocating for the construction of new reservoirs in the Alps following record summer heat and water scarcity. National Councilor Barbara Schaffner suggests that reservoirs could potentially utilize areas vacated by retreating glaciers to serve as water storage. These facilities would aim to provide flood protection during heavy rainfall and maintain water levels for streams during droughts, though the proposal faces expected opposition regarding landscape protection and electricity production.