Rhine reaches record low water level in Netherlands

The water level of the Rhine near the Dutch village of Lobith in Gelderland province has fallen to its lowest level since records began, the Netherlands' Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management said.

The ministry noted that the country's drought continues to intensify, and the Rhine at the Lobith measuring station "has never been this low," Caliber.Az reports, citing Dutch media.

Reduced rainfall outside the Netherlands has also significantly decreased the flow of fresh water from the Meuse River.

According to the ministry, water shortages are already affecting shipping and industry.

Operations at several locks have been restricted to reduce the outflow of fresh water into the sea, forcing vessels to wait longer for passage. The lock complex at Eefde has been completely closed, disrupting transport between the IJssel River and the Twente canals and creating difficulties for industries in the region.

Authorities also warned of increasing saltwater intrusion in the western Netherlands, where low river levels are allowing seawater to penetrate further inland, posing risks to agriculture and natural ecosystems.

Water extraction from rivers, lakes, and canals has been banned in many areas, while some regions have also imposed restrictions on groundwater use. As a result, farmers have been forced to reduce or suspend irrigation.

Despite the worsening drought, the ministry said there is currently no threat to the country's drinking water supply.

The Netherlands has been operating under a national water shortage regime since July 16. All regions have raised their preparedness levels and are implementing measures to conserve and distribute available water resources more efficiently, including the use of emergency pumping systems.

Following a meeting on July 30, the National Water Management Coordination Committee decided not to introduce additional nationwide restrictions, although local authorities remain free to impose stricter measures if necessary.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov