A regional commission has allowed the minimum release from the Vltava Cascade to be temporarily reduced from 35 to 20 cubic metres per second. The measure is intended to slow falling levels at the Slapy and Orlík reservoirs.
The decision was made because of water shortages in the Vltava and Labe river basins, Czech Television and RIA Novosti reported. The reduced minimum flow from the cascade at the Vrané waterworks will remain in place through April 30, 2027.
The source said all three summer months in the Czech Republic were unusually hot, with temperatures repeatedly exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. Water levels in major rivers, including the Vltava and Labe, fell by several metres and approached a critical level for shipping.
Farmers have reported significant drought-related crop losses in fields and orchards. Authorities expect the lower release to slow the decline in the Slapy and Orlík reservoirs.