Low Danube level restricts navigation at Slovakia's Gabčíkovo dam

The Danube in Slovakia has fallen to one of the lowest water levels recorded in recent decades, prompting water authorities to tighten management of the river. The state enterprise Vodohospodárska výstavba announced that, in cooperation with the Slovak Water Management Company (SVP) and the Transport Authority, the operation of the navigation chambers at the Gabčíkovo hydro‑electric dam will be adjusted. Ships will be allowed to pass only when the chambers are at least 40 % filled, and navigation will be organised in pre‑determined cycles to minimise water loss while maintaining safety and flow.

Officials warned that the low inflows are expected to continue because meteorologists in Austria and Germany do not anticipate significant rainfall in the coming days. The reforms aim to preserve water for the dam’s key functions – electricity generation, flood protection, navigation and overall stability of the Danube’s water regime.