Rain brings some relief from drought but groundwater remains critically low

Long-awaited rain is beginning to revive vegetation in Czechia, but experts say it is nowhere near enough to replenish groundwater reserves. People whose wells ran dry during the summer should also be cautious if they refill, as the water may be contaminated.

Drought remains a nationwide problem. According to Czech Hydrometeorological Institute data, only 11 percent of groundwater sources were at least at their long-term normal level at the beginning of this week. The rest were below normal, in many cases significantly so.

The entire Czech Republic remains at risk of water shortages affecting private wells and municipal boreholes.