The drought brings water restrictions to the coast and many other parts of Slovenia
STA, July 15, 2022 – A prolonged drought has resulted in water restrictions in the coastal region and many other areas of the country. The latest such measure in the region is the ban on the use of drinking water for irrigation of agricultural land and other agricultural purposes.
The ban is the result of increasingly dry periods and the further reduction of available water sources, the Koper water supply announced on Friday.
Farmers feared this amid warnings that the current drought may be the worst in 50 years.
The decision followed the adoption of a number of other measures to alleviate the situation in the coastal-karst region.
Until further notice, sprinklers on public lawns, as well as showers on all beaches and fountains on public areas, are turned off. Watering greens and washing cars is prohibited, with the exception of car washes with recycled water. Utilities will continue to water trees and flower beds only from possible wells and other water sources.
The Koper water supply company warns that compliance with the restrictions is the only way to avoid interruptions in the water supply before the end of this month.
It was similar in 2012, when calls for efficient use of water were successful and there was no need for restrictions, the director of the company, Martin Pregelj, noted at the end of June, when the situation began to worsen.
Many municipalities in the wider Primorska region and elsewhere are following similar steps. Some, including those in the east, have also introduced bans on watering gardens, washing cars and filling swimming pools.
The drought is currently worst in northern Gorenjska and western Goriška, as well as in a large part of Primorska, while severe water shortages threaten other areas as well, with the exception of the northeast, according to the latest data from the Environment Agency.