Czech Ministry Considers Draining Lower Novomlýnske Reservoir Amid Cyanobacteria Crisis

Experts and local officials are urging a debate on releasing the lower Novomlýnske reservoir to combat severe cyanobacteria blooms that have turned the water toxic and caused massive fish die‑offs. The Moravian Fisheries Union reported about 1.5 tonnes of dead fish after recent outbreaks.

Environment Minister Igor Červený said the proposal to empty the lower tank is not ruled out but all consequences must be weighed, while the Morava River Basin Authority, part of the agriculture ministry, has yet to present a concrete plan. The reservoir receives water rich in nutrients, with roughly 160 tonnes of phosphorus entering each year, exacerbating the blooms.

Local mayors and mayors’ spouses from the surrounding villages, including Jaroslava Rajchlová, described the water as a "smelly cat" and called for expert involvement, while noting that tourism benefits from the reservoir are minimal. Draining the tank would be costly and would require upgraded wastewater treatment to reduce phosphorus inputs.