Central Bohemia declares water scarcity for Vltava and Labe rivers

Extreme hydrological drought across the Vltava river basin has forced regional authorities to lower the minimum outflow from the Vrané profile to between 20 and 35 cubic meters per second through April 30, 2027. The measure aims to slow the depletion of upstream reservoirs like Slapy and Orlík as rainfall remains scarce.

Emergency Drought Measures and Reservoir Management at Vrané

Central Bohemian Governor Petra Pecková convened the region’s Drought and Water Scarcity Management Commission following an urgent request from Povodí Vltava. The commission declared a state of water scarcity for the Vltava and Labe rivers within the region. To protect dwindling reserves, the state approved extraordinary manipulation at the Vrané profile. The outflow can now drop from its standard 35 cubic meters per second down to 20 cubic meters per second as needed. Officials intend to preserve water upstream in the Slapy and Orlík reservoirs for as long as possible. Meanwhile, permitted water usage allocations remain unrestricted for now, and the flow at Prague-Chuchle will be maintained at 24 cubic meters per second.

Exposed Riverbeds and Ferry Closures Across South Bohemia

While Central Bohemia adjusts its outflows, the severe dry spell has drastically altered the terrain further south. In South Bohemia, falling water levels have revealed the so-called "Heart of the Vltava," an ancient river meander near Horní Planá that has remained submerged beneath the Lipno reservoir for more than sixty years. However, this visual phenomenon comes with severe logistical disruptions. The low water forced the premature suspension of the ferry service between Horní Planá and Bližší Lhotá, followed by the early end of the season for the Dolní Vltavice ferry. The South Bohemian regional authority declared a drought state for the entire territory.

Critical Storage Depletion at Husinec Dam

The drought has hit specific regional infrastructure hard. The Husinec Dam reached critical lows, holding just 1.3 percent of its standard storage volume. Its water level dropped roughly seven meters below normal. Similar low inflows continue to threaten other reservoirs in the region, including Římov. Slapská reservoir dropped below 267.5 meters above sea level by mid-September, hitting its winter-season target months ahead of schedule due to the persistent dry conditions.

Vrané Outflow Rules Last Through April 2027

Authorities have set the emergency Vrané outflow rules to last through the end of April 2027, leaving river management heavily dependent on upcoming autumn and winter precipitation.