Jura, Switzerland, Intensifies Efforts Against Drought, Urges Residents to Avoid River Swimming

In the Swiss canton of Jura, as elsewhere, efforts are intensifying to combat drought. Authorities have issued a rare recommendation, urging residents to refrain from swimming in rivers and streams outside of designated areas. This measure, last seen in 2003, aims to protect wildlife particularly vulnerable to the current drought and high temperatures.

Mélanie Oriet, head of the cantonal environment office, stated, "It is very rare that we issue such recommendations, especially during a heatwave or holiday period." Alongside the swimming advisory, calls for water conservation and partial fire bans in and near forests are in place. The Jura region, like much of Switzerland except for Ticino and parts of the Alps, is described as "extremely dry" by the National Drought Platform.

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It is very rare that we issue such recommendations, especially during a heatwave or holiday period.

Recent rainfall has been insufficient to reverse a trend observed since mid-May. River levels in Jura now match those typically seen at the end of summer. Navigation on the Doubs River has been prohibited since June 17, when its flow dropped below 6 cubic meters per second. "The situation has deteriorated even faster than in 2022," Oriet continued. "We have already conducted rescue fishing operations in Ajoie, and the situation is expected to worsen further. We are closer to 2018, when the drought lasted from spring to November."

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The situation has deteriorated even faster than in 2022. We have already conducted rescue fishing operations in Ajoie, and the situation is expected to worsen further. We are closer to 2018, when the drought lasted from spring to November.