Olomouc imposes water‑withdrawal bans as drought hits southern Moravia

Scientists report that soil moisture in southern Moravia and much of the Olomouc region has fallen below ten percent, creating a critical drought situation. The shortage follows a prolonged lack of rain, an extreme heat wave at the end of June and record‑high temperatures.

In response, the Olomouc municipality and the nearby town of Šternberk have prohibited the extraction of surface water from the Bystřice River, Trusovický and Dolanský streams and their tributaries. The ban, which remains in force until mid‑September, covers uses such as garden irrigation, sports‑field watering, pool filling and car washing. Officials say the measure aims to protect aquatic organisms as river flows are at their minimum and oxygen levels are falling, threatening fish and other wildlife.

Petr Loyka, head of the environmental department, warned that “there is so little water that we have no suitable alternative locations for relocating the fish.” Experts also note that fish are experiencing lethal conditions, describing rivers where “the fish are literally boiling.” The restrictions are part of broader efforts to safeguard water supplies for drinking and to mitigate the ecological impact of the ongoing drought.