Vienna curtails water use as summer demand nears full capacity

During an intense heat wave, Vienna recorded a daily water demand of up to 580,000 cubic metres – about 45 % above the normal average and 99 % of the system’s technical capacity of 589,000 m³. The city responded by limiting irrigation of green spaces, conducting street cleaning without water, and urging residents, businesses and public institutions to avoid filling pools, washing cars and to use household appliances efficiently. Authorities also warned that heavy rain could cloud source water, potentially requiring temporary supply restrictions. After the peak, consumption has fallen about 27 % and is stabilising, while long‑term plans under “Wiener Wasser 2050” include a new waterworks on the Danube Island, expanded reservoirs and upgrades to the pipe network.