Denmark warns of water shortage as heatwave strains Copenhagen supply

A severe heatwave in late June 2024 pushed water demand in the Copenhagen region to record levels. HOFOR, Denmark's largest drink‑water supplier serving about one million people, said consumption rose 25‑30% and in some areas up to 50% compared with normal use, driven by garden watering and filling private pools. The agency warned that the water reservoirs were reaching unprecedented low levels, stating, “We could see the bottom of our water tanks, and we have never experienced that before.”

The heatwave also set a new national temperature record of 37.0 °C on 27 June, the hottest day in Danish history. HOFOR urged residents to cut water use by limiting garden irrigation, avoiding large pools, using efficient appliances, and fixing leaks. It also called for closer coordination with authorities, noting that the water system is not yet equipped to cope with more frequent and intense heatwaves caused by climate change.