The situation along Croatia’s rivers has reached critical levels, with water levels dropping to historic lows and nuclear power plants facing shutdowns due to insufficient supply. Concerns over potential water rationing have sparked widespread anxiety among residents, particularly in areas already struggling with drought conditions. According to reports from Hrvatske vode, public water supply continues to operate normally across much of the country, though localized challenges persist, especially near coasts and islands. Hydrological data reveals alarming trends. At the measurement point Repaš in the Drava basin, groundwater levels stood at 115.05 meters below mean sea level as of July 29, 2026, just eight centimeters above the historical minimum recorded in 2022. This site has been monitoring since 1986, making this recent reading one of the lowest ever recorded. On the Osijek hydrological station, the river level was measured at -192 centimeters on August 1, 2026, 20 centimeters lower than the previous record set in August 2022. These figures highlight the severity of the current crisis. Further south, in the Sava basin, the measurement point Mičevec showed groundwater levels at 100.72 meters below mean sea level, 60 centimeters higher than the historical minimum from 2012. However, this does not diminish the overall concern, as other regions face even more dire conditions. The Danube basin's Batin station recorded a new absolute minimum of -142 centimeters on August 3, 2026, surpassing the previous low of -84 centimeters from 2022. Lower down the river, locations such as Dalj, Vukovar, and Ilok continue to experience dangerously low water levels. Meteorological models suggest that these extreme conditions could worsen over the coming days, with further declines or stagnation expected for the next five to seven days. While there are currently no plans for nationwide restrictions on water usage, local authorities are implementing measures to ensure continued access to clean water. Some areas, however, are already experiencing severe limitations, with certain communities relying on alternative solutions to maintain their supplies. The most vulnerable regions include parts of Dalmacia, where the effects of drought are compounded by the high demand during the tourist season. Specific areas under particular stress include the eastern part of the Zadar water supply system, parts of the island of Pasman and the municipality of Pakoštane, the area around Benkovac with nighttime pipeline closures, and parts of the Makarska coast that depend solely on local springs. In the Imotska region, temporary reductions in water availability are being considered, while the water supply zone of Banja near Vrgorac faces a risk of disruption. In the Čabrska area, sources of the Požarnica and Donji Žagari have dried up, yet the village of Plešce has managed to secure its water supply through alternative means. Meanwhile, the River Orljava, which once flooded surrounding villages in 2014, is now barely flowing, with its current level just four centimeters above the bed. Temperatures in the remaining water are significantly higher than normal, posing a threat to aquatic life. Krešimir Prpić, technical director of Tekija, warns that such extreme conditions are becoming increasingly frequent, with the last major drying of the river occurring in 2024. Residents in Požege have been urged to reduce water consumption, avoid irrigation, and refrain from filling swimming pools. Despite these efforts, the water supply system remains stable, though some pumping stations are still operating below capacity. To prevent future crises, Prpić suggests constructing an artificial lake called Kamenska, which would help protect Požege from both floods and droughts, ensuring reliable water access during critical periods.
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