Czech Republic grapples with worsening drought and water-use priorities

Hydrologist Adam Vizina warned that accelerating climate change will force the Czech Republic to rethink water management. He urged the state and regions to set clear priorities for drinking water, critical infrastructure, agriculture and industry during severe dry periods, to protect groundwater, restore wetlands and improve reservoir operations under the 2023‑2027 drought‑protection plan.

In the Pardubice region, prolonged drought has left smaller ponds nearly dry, threatening their survival. Pond owner Adolf Vondrka said some ponds may only be filled once every three years or vanish completely. Fish farms face higher costs, early harvesting and the need to relocate juvenile fish to larger water bodies, while warm temperatures stress predatory species.

Both experts stress that technical, organisational and regulatory measures are essential to safeguard water supplies for communities, agriculture and aquaculture as dry spells become more frequent and intense.