The lake water plant is working at full capacity

Little melt water, no rainfall: water is becoming scarce and the risk of forest fires s reached the ‘Considerable’ level. Thanks to the lake water works, the supply of water to Oberägeri is still guaranteed.

There has been no abundant rainfall for about a month, and nature has only been able to absorb a small amount of melt water due to the lack of snow in the winter. Snow is a very good water reservoir for nature, and releases water when temperatures are warmer. The flora and, of course, the aquifers, as well as the catchment areas of the springs, benefit from the meltwater. The yield of spring water is decreasing daily, however, and this is a clear indication that the aquifer and the inlet areas are very dry and are releasing little to no more water.

The Aegeri Valley Lake Water Works (Seewasserwerk Aegerital) compensates for the loss of spring water, according to a press release from the municipality of Oberägeri. "At the beginning of the year, we were able to cover the water demand 100% with spring water. This has not been the case since the beginning of April. Every day, the spring water yields decrease, and water demand is increasing at the same time. At the moment, the water supply consists of 56% spring water and 44% lake water," says Erich Duss, responsible for water supply, in the statement.

Source master Erich Duss at the lake water works in Oberägeri.

Rainfall is not in sight for the time being, and the situation remains precarious. Once again, the lake water works has proved to be a stroke of luck, and offers the population of Oberägeri an enormous level of security in terms of water supply. It seems unlikely that the lake water works will become loaded to 100%. "In order for this to happen, all the sources and groundwater resources would have to become dry," says Erich Duss. But he emphasizes: "Drinking water is an important commodity that we have to deal with prudently and moderately."

Tips for saving water:

• Only water the garden so that your plants and vegetables do not dry up. The lawn will recover by itself once it has rained enough.
• Do not wash your car now, but when the drought is over.
• Use the ‘small’ button whenever possible for flushing the toilet.
• Turn off the water while brushing your teeth,.
• Turn off the water while ‘soaping-up’ in the shower,.
• Showers require less drinking water than taking a bath.
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