In light of the current extreme temperatures being experienced throughout the Grand Duchy, Luxembourg's Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Sustainable Development has issued a series of advice and precautionary measures for the benefit of members of the public.

Surface water - Minima critical for aquatic fauna and flora

Given the current weather conditions, all water flows in streams are well below the average of the minimum values ​​of the last 10 years. Currently, critical minima for the survival of aquatic organisms are being achieved; it is not only the plants that lack water, but all the flora and fauna of the aquatic environment are affected.

With constant pressures and decreasing flow rates, the concentration of pollutants in the water increases, as the dilution effect reduces and hence the quality of the water undergoes significant degradation. It follows that any additional water withdrawal becomes compromised for the survival of aquatic organisms.

Following the current severe low water flow situation, the Water Management Administration is calling on the population not to take water from streams, rivers, ponds and lakes. This is necessary in order not to further compromise the survival of aquatic organisms and to cause a partially irreversible degradation of the quality of surface water.

In any case, water withdrawal is subject to authorisation and that during the low water periods, water withdrawal from surface water, even covered by an authorisation, is prohibited except for cases defined by ministerial decrees.

Drinking Water - Limiting consumption

Experience shows that drinking water consumption increases with rising temperatures. Especially temperatures above 30°C generate very high consumption. Given the weather forecast for the coming days, members of the public are reminded not to waste tap water and limit consumption to absolute needs. ​

These include the following:

- filling of private swimming pools

- washing of vehicles (except in professional washing stations)
 
- washing pavements, garages, courtyards and facades
 
- using high-pressure cleaners
 
- operating fountains operation (except those operating in a closed circuit)
 
- irrigation of lawns, parks, cemeteries and sports fields with the exception of new plantations
 
- refrigeration of foodstuffs and drinks under water

For further details, see https://eau.public.lu/actualites/2019/05---Mai/PhaseDeSensibilisation/index.html for some simple ways how members of the public can reduce drinking water consumption to a minimum.