Several watercourses drying up: "Looks really dire"

Sweden is facing a severe drought, with numerous watercourses dwindling to critical levels and some shrinking to mere puddles. This environmental crisis is impacting ecosystems and prompting emergency interventions to save vulnerable species.

In Västmanland, the Svartån river has nearly dried up, leaving its bathing jetty leading to a cracked, barren landscape. Biologist Isabella Segerström noted that the river reached critical levels in late July. While the Svartån has experienced low water levels before, some locals report these are the lowest they have seen in years, with others suggesting such conditions occur roughly every five years.

Limnologist Andreas Holmberg described the dire situation in Blekinge, where he had to relocate stranded freshwater pearl mussels from the Silletorpsån. This species, already highly threatened, relies on the Silletorpsån as one of its few remaining habitats. "The entire ecosystem has to start over when it dries out," Holmberg explained, noting the near-zero flow in the river and the mussels' need for oxygen. He also expressed deep concern over the Nättrabyån, comparing its dry riverbed to walking in Spain.

Researchers attribute the low water levels primarily to a year-long deficit in precipitation. SMHI researcher Gustav Strandberg emphasized that the issue stems from long-term groundwater depletion, not just recent weather patterns. Warmer temperatures further worsen the situation by increasing evaporation, leaving less water available for nature. "If we hadn't had climate change, the effects might have been a little weaker," Strandberg commented.