Given what is described as a severe low water situation in the rivers across the Grand Duchy currently, the Water Management Administration has asked members of the public not to take water from such water surfaces so as to not further jeopardise the survival of aquatic life and which could lead to a partially irreversible degradation of the quality of surface water.
Given the unusually high temperatures and the lack of significant rainfall which has persisted now for some time, there is currently a growing trend of low water levels. It is not only the garden plants that lack water, but all fauna and flora of the fluvial environment that are being affected. Stream flow rates have now reached the minimum critical level for the survival of aquatic organisms.
Thus, any additional removal of water becomes detrimental to the survival of these organisms. Also, as river flows decrease, the concentration of pollution in the water increases, because the dilution effect is less and hence the quality of the water undergoes a significant degradation.
Drinking water is not affected
The Water Management Administration has issued a reminder to the public that the removal of water from rivers and ponds is subject to authorisation and during times of low water, the removal of water from surface waters is prohibited, except in specific cases. However, the distribution of drinking water is not currently affected by the weather, but that a reasonable use of this precious resource is being monitored closely.
Precautionary measures against fire in the forest
The Nature and Forests Administration has issued a remindere that there is currently a increased risk of fire in forests. It is therefore important to exercise increased vigilance in forests during this period of drought especially since most fires are caused by man.
The fight against forest fires starts with caution: avoid lighting fires in the forest, avoid throwing objects such as cigarettes, avoid leaving pieces of glass that sometimes act as a magnifying glass and may start a fire, park your car only on non-combustible surfaces (asphalt or paved). And inform the emergency services if you see a cloud of smoke by calling tel: 112.
