Drought drains Czech reservoir as water restrictions take effect

The Husinec reservoir in South Bohemia has become the first in Czechia to exhaust its usable water reserves amid an extreme drought. Its water level has fallen seven metres below normal, forcing operators to reduce outflow to match the incoming water. The reservoir had previously been releasing additional water to maintain flow in the Blanice River. Meanwhile, authorities have declared a water shortage on the Vltava and Labe rivers in Central Bohemia. Minimum outflow from the Vltava Cascade has been reduced to protect water levels at the Slapy and Orlík reservoirs. The measure will remain in effect until April 30 next year.