Swiss municipality urges residents to save water ahead of winter

Last week’s rain has done little to ease Switzerland’s current drought. Local authorities in Graubünden have now imposed water limits, urging residents to conserve water to prevent severe shortages heading into the winter months.

Record-low springs force water limits in Domleschg 

On Thursday, October 8, the municipality of Domleschg (Gemeinde Domleschg) announced water restrictions in its localities of Scheid and Feldis.

This follows spring flows that have been falling since mid-June and dropped to their lowest recorded level by the end of August in Switzerland. In September alone, the water output supplying Scheid fell by more than 20 percent, from 140 to 109 cubic metres per day. In Feldis, the water supply dropped from 114 to 80 cubic metres per day.

Should this continue, Feldis may not be able to meet the village's water demands from early November, and Scheid from mid-December. The municipality strongly discourages filling pools, watering green spaces, or washing vehicles and terraces until further notice to avoid a worsening drought.

Two days of rain last week did little to ease the water shortage. Meteorologist Peter Wick told 20 Minuten the weather was a relief at first, but “you shouldn’t be fooled by two days of rain.” 

Wick continued, saying above-average rainfall is needed to compensate for the water deficit that built up over the summer. With cooler temperatures and the sun staying low in the sky this time of year, evaporation is limited, so water remains in the soil and groundwater.

How to save water and stay prepared

The municipal officials of Domleschg have asked residents to be mindful of water shortages. They suggest showering instead of bathing, keeping showers short, and turning off the tap while brushing teeth or shaving. They also advise fixing dripping taps and leaking cisterns, using the toilet's water-saving flush button, and running the washing machine and dishwasher only when full. 

Suggestions also include reusing rinse water from washing fruit and vegetables for plants or toilet flushing, and not using drinking water for balcony flowers and pots.

The municipality also highlights the Federal Office for Economic Supply’s (Bundesamt für wirtschaftliche Landesversorgung, or BWL) recommendation to stock up on a three-day supply of drinking water at home. This is to buy time if the springs fail due to continued drought.

So far, Domleschg is the only place that has announced water restrictions. Municipalities set their own rules, so keep an eye on updates from your local authority.