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🇩🇰 Denmark /Environment & Climate

Copenhagen reservoirs nearly empty during heatwave, water shortage risk

From Berlingske · () Danish

Translated from Danish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Denmark's capital experienced a near-acute water shortage during a late June heatwave due to record-high temperatures.
  • Hofor, the largest water supplier for the capital region, reported its water reservoirs were nearly depleted.
  • The company is calling for stronger collaboration between the state, municipalities, and water utilities to ensure future water security amid increasingly extreme weather.

During a severe heatwave in late June, the Copenhagen metropolitan area faced a critical risk of water shortage as demand surged and production struggled to keep pace. Hofor, the primary water supplier serving approximately one million residents, reported that its water reservoirs reached alarmingly low levels, a situation described as unprecedented.

The extreme heat and its duration understandably caused citizens' water consumption to rise, and our production could not keep up.

— Rebekka NymarkHofor's director of water and wastewater explained the impact of the heatwave on water demand and supply.

Rebekka Nymark, Hofor's director of water and wastewater, told Politiken that the extreme and prolonged heat caused a significant, understandable increase in water consumption. "We could see the bottom of our water containers, and we have never experienced that before," she stated, highlighting the severity of the situation.

The heatwave saw Denmark break its all-time temperature record on Saturday, June 27, with a high of 37.0 degrees Celsius. In response to the escalating demand and dry conditions, Hofor issued a public appeal on June 25 urging citizens to conserve water. They advised against watering lawns, recommended watering plants only in the evenings, and suggested opting for paddling pools over large garden pools.

We could see the bottom of our water containers, and we have never experienced that before.

— Rebekka NymarkHofor's director of water and wastewater described the unprecedented low levels in the company's water reservoirs.

Given the increasing frequency of heatwaves and extreme weather events, Hofor is advocating for enhanced cooperation among state authorities, local municipalities, and water utility companies. The company believes this collaboration is essential to guarantee sufficient water supply in the face of future climate challenges, as its current infrastructure is not adequately prepared for the anticipated rise in extreme weather.

It is bone dry, and the temperatures are high. Therefore, we are using extra water at the moment. If we do not reduce consumption now, water shortages may occur, and therefore Hofor is now urging all customers to save water so there is enough for everyone.

— HoforThe water supply company issued a public appeal for water conservation during the heatwave.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Berlingske in Danish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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