Netherlands warns drought worsening, affecting water resources

The Hague (ANTARA) - The Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management said on Wednesday that drought conditions in the Netherlands are becoming increasingly severe, with rivers running dry and groundwater levels continuing to decline.

The ministry warned that the prolonged drought is having increasingly severe impacts on nature, agriculture and inland shipping.

“A number of forecasts show that hot and predominantly dry weather will continue over the coming weeks, adding further pressure to the country’s already limited freshwater resources,” the ministry said in a statement.

Shipping activity is facing mounting disruption as falling water levels reduce the depth of navigation channels, prompting the imposition of additional restrictions on a number of waterways.

In addition, salinisation is also increasing, particularly in the Rhine-Meuse estuary area and several regions in the western Netherlands.

Meanwhile, deteriorating water quality has triggered widespread blooms of blue-green algae and a rise in fish mortality.

Last week, the Eefde sluice gate, which provides access to the Twente Canal, was closed to shipping activity due to the persistent drought and the ongoing heatwave.

Although the drought is worsening, the ministry said there are currently no obstacles to the country’s drinking water supply, while urging households and businesses to continue using water wisely.

On 16 July 2026, the ministry raised the water status in the Netherlands from “potential water scarcity” to “actual water scarcity”, amid the persistent drought and high temperatures that continue to strain national water resources.