Record low water levels on Danube, Drava, and Sava rivers

Croatia is grappling with unprecedentedly low water levels in its major rivers, the Danube, Drava, and Sava, as a prolonged dry period shatters historical records.

Despite recent rainfall, the precipitation has been insufficient to significantly raise the water levels, leaving the country's primary waterways at critically low points. The Danube at Batina recorded a historical minimum of -149 centimeters on August 22, surpassing the previous record from 1909 by nearly 20 centimeters. Similarly, the Drava in Osijek saw a new record low of -194 centimeters on August 19, exceeding the 2022 record by 20 centimeters. The Sava near Županja also set a new historical minimum of -104 centimeters on August 25, breaking the 2012 record.

These record-low levels are not merely statistics; they are visibly altering the riverine landscape. Numerous sandbanks, islets, and beaches have emerged from the receding waters, and the remains of sunken vessels have surfaced in some areas. The consequences are severe, with river navigation being significantly hampered and the capacity for agricultural irrigation drastically reduced.

Experts from Hrvatske vode (Croatian Waters) have indicated that 2026 is shaping up to be an exceptionally dry year, with July and August already classified as dry to extremely dry. If the drought persists, the long-term effects could extend beyond navigation and agriculture, impacting water supply, industrial operations, and the energy sector. Furthermore, the changing conditions pose a significant threat to the delicate balance of riverine ecosystems.

While the Sava in Zagreb is also at an extremely low level (-272 cm), it has not yet reached its historical minimum recorded in 1993. The situation underscores the widespread impact of the ongoing drought across the region.