Blekinge faces severe groundwater shortage, authorities urge water use restrictions

Ground‑water levels in Blekinge have fallen far below normal, prompting the County Administrative Board (Länsstyrelsen) to call for an immediate halt to any unauthorised water extraction from the region’s streams. The agency warns that several weeks of sustained rain are needed before levels recover, and even then they would remain below seasonal norms. The low flows threaten aquatic life in dozens of watercourses, including Bräkneån, Gallån, Hällarydsån and others, and could lead to the loss of fish, mussels and other species. Residents and businesses are asked to refrain from using water for irrigation, golf courses, fields or any activity that could damage the environment, while permitted users must strictly follow existing conditions.