Slapy reservoir to supplement Vltava flow for first time due to drought

Due to extreme hydrological drought, Povodí Vltavy is implementing unprecedented measures to maintain river flows in the Vltava and Elbe basins. For the first time in history, the Slapy reservoir will be used to supplement water flow to compensate for the reduced discharge from the Orlík dam.

The Orlík reservoir's water level has dropped approximately 15 meters below normal levels due to low precipitation and high evaporation. Consequently, the dam will only release an amount of water roughly equal to its current inflow, approximately 15 cubic meters per second. To ensure that the Vrané waterworks continues to discharge the required 40 cubic meters per second to support drinking water supplies, ecological functions, and the dilution of wastewater, the Slapy reservoir will provide the necessary 25 cubic meters per second deficit.

This decision will impact recreational activities and navigation at Slapy, including potential restrictions on boat transfers. ČEZ noted that while power generation at Vltava hydroelectric plants is being adjusted to match available water volumes, modernizations have allowed these plants to operate more efficiently at lower flow rates. The situation does not affect the Temelín Nuclear Power Plant, which utilizes cooling towers rather than river flow for cooling.