# Drought and declining water levels in Switzerland

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/drought-and-declining-water-levels-in-switzerland
> Updated: 2026-08-19T13:58:42.000Z. Sources: 25. Developments: 2.

Switzerland is experiencing a severe drought characterized by significantly lower-than-average rainfall and high temperatures since the spring. This environmental crisis has led to critical water level declines in several major bodies of water.

On the Swiss-French border, Lake Brenet has nearly dried up due to reduced inflow from the Doubs River, with water levels falling more than nine metres below the long-term average. This has crippled local tourism, leaving vessels stranded on the lakebed and causing the nearby So de Dub waterfall to run dry.

Lake Zurich has reached its lowest water level in 75 years, dropping to 404.45 meters above sea level. This surpasses the previous record of 405.46 meters set in 1952. The Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) attributes this decline to persistent drought, resulting in dry soils and low levels of both surface and groundwater.

The receding waters have caused significant operational disruptions. The Zürichsee-Schifffahrtsgesellschaft AG (ZSG) has suspended services along the Limmat river and modified lake tour routes. Furthermore, the Horgen-Meilen ferry has restricted the transport of heavy trucks and low-clearance vehicles because the low water level has made the ramps too steep. Local amenities, such as the municipal pool in Stäfa, have also closed certain piers due to safety concerns.

## Claims

- The water level at the Zürichhorn measurement station reached 404.45 meters above sea level. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The current water level is lower than the previous record minimum of 405.46 meters set in 1952. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The Horgen-Meilen ferry has stopped admitting heavy trucks and low-clearance vehicles due to the steepness of the ramp. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Zsg has suspended service along the Limmat river and ceased stops at Ufenau Island. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The municipal pool in Stäfa closed a pier to prevent injuries caused by diving in low water levels. (corroborated by 4 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-19: Lake Zurich water level hits 75-year record low

Lake Zurich has hit a 75-year record low water level due to severe drought in Switzerland, disrupting ferry services, navigation, and local recreational activities.

25 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lake-zurich-reaches-record-low-water-level

### 2026-08-02: Swiss-French Brenet Lake dries up amid severe drought

Lake Brenet on the Swiss‑French border has almost dried up due to a severe drought, dropping water levels over nine metres below average and halting tourism boat operations.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/swiss-french-brenet-lake-dries-up-amid-severe-drought

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Cite as: Drought and declining water levels in Switzerland. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/drought-and-declining-water-levels-in-switzerland