Czech Minister Martin Šebestyán Calls for New Water Reservoirs to Avoid Future Shortages

Agriculture Minister Martin Šebestyán said the Czech Republic will need additional water reservoirs because the capacity of existing dams will become insufficient in about 20 years. The government has selected around twenty sites, with three projects prioritised: the New Heřminovy reservoir in the Bruntál region, expected to be finished in 2033; the Vlachovice reservoir in Zlín region, slated for completion four‑to‑five years later; and the Kryry reservoir in the Louny area, targeted for around 2040. Šebestyán noted that no new reservoirs have been built since 1989 and stressed the need to secure financing through a mix of national budgets and European Union funds.

Experts warn that longer vegetation periods increase evaporation and water consumption, underscoring the importance of the new dams for both drinking‑water supply and flood protection. The New Heřminovy dam, for example, aims to protect the upper Opava river, where repeated floods have previously caused billion‑dollar damages to property and infrastructure.