Central European authorities launch water retention and reservoir grants

Regional authorities in Slovakia and the Czech Republic are launching new funding initiatives to improve water retention and manage climate change impacts.

In Slovakia, the Bratislava Water Company (BVS) has extended the application deadline for its water retention grant program to November 10. The company has allocated 160,000 EUR for this second stage, utilizing remaining funds from previous years. The program aims to mitigate climate change effects and reduce pressure on sewage systems caused by excessive rainfall. Eligible applicants include individuals, legal entities, public administration bodies such as schools, and local governments. Projects must focus on retention and accumulation tanks or infiltration facilities and must be completed by May 31, 2027.

In the Czech Republic, the Ministry of Agriculture has announced a 300 million CZK subsidy program for municipalities to support the construction, reconstruction, and desilting of small water reservoirs and minor watercourses. Applications are accepted from September 7 until October 7, 2026, or until funds are exhausted. Minister Martin Šebestyán noted that these reservoirs are vital for landscape water retention, flood wave management, and local microclimate stability. The funds will cover infrastructure such as dams, banks, and safety overflows.