Zug avoids water bans, despite the drought

The drought is taking its toll on Switzerland, but the water supply in the canton of Zug remains secure. Instead of issuing bans, water suppliers are appealing to the public's sense of responsibility.
 

• Water bans will not be imposed In the canton of Zug for the time being, despite the drought and the heat.
• The regional water suppliers report stable reserves and a secure supply in Baar, Zug, and the Ägeri Valley.
• Groundwater, spring water, lake waterworks, and interconnected pipelines support the supply, even with high consumption.

It hasn't rained for a long time - Switzerland is currently suffering under the second major heatwave of the summer. In some places in the canton of Aargau, several municipalities have issued bans due to water shortages, and it’s not permitted to water lawns, fill pools or wash cars.

But bans are currently not under consideration In the Canton of Zug, although this doesn't mean that water should be used sparingly. The Baar-Dorf Corporation supplies most of the municipality of Baar with drinking water from its three water reservoirs: Burgmatt, Kreuzgutsch, and Rebmatt. The average daily consumption is 4,500 cubic metres of water, with Baar residents consuming an average of 230 litres of water per person per day. The figure is much higher at the moment, as Erich Duss, Head of Water Supply, explains. "At the moment, we're at 300 to 350 litres a day." The reason: the heat is causing increased water consumption, for example, through garden irrigation.

Nevertheless, there’s no talk of a water shortage or scarcity. "We can fill our reservoirs to the brim every night," reports Erich Duss. The Baar water reservoirs are fed to 60% by groundwater and to 40% by spring water. “The spring water level is declining slightly, but there’s no cause for concern,” he adds. The groundwater situation is stable.

Residents of Zug are still allowed to water their gardens – although water suppliers urge residents to use water sparingly                            
Erich Duss is the head of water supply for the Baar-Dorf Corporation.        Photos supplied
View into WWZ's largest drinking water reservoir in Talacher        Photo: Stefan Kaiser
View inside the lake waterworks in Oberägeri      Photo: Alexandra Wey
 

Large groundwater reserves in Zug
Bans in the neighbouring canton, stable reserves in Zug – why are the regional differences so significant? “We have a large groundwater reserve in the Zug region,” the expert explains. Furthermore, the groundwater here is replenished rapidly. “So more is being produced than we extract.” According to Erich Duss, the Ägeri Valley is well supplied with water from the lake waterworks. The pumping stations in the valley area are sometimes reaching their capacity limits, and the increased consumption is noticeable. But it would have to remain dry for “very long” before a water shortage would occur. “Our water reserves will last for at least another year before we would have to call for water conservation.”

Another advantage in the Canton of Zug is the network of interconnected water systems. If the WWZ company, the largest water supplier in the Canton of Zug, experience a shortage, the Baar-Dorf corporation could provide water. "This ensures that the water supply in the Canton of Zug is well secured. The interconnected pipelines are constantly being expanded," says Erich Duss.

What advice does he give to private individuals regarding water? One thing is clear for him: "These are individual decisions. But one can certainly ask oneself whether it's necessary to always have a perfectly green lawn." Grass recovers quickly after the first rain. The head of the Baar water supply adds: "You should also consider whether you want to wash your car with water, which is vital for life, when the weather is very dry."

WWZ: consumption is around average
The water supply is also secure in the WWZ service area, as an inquiry with the company shows. Consumption is average, according to the media office. But it has been very hot and dry for a long time, and the winter was also characterised by little precipitation. "This is reflected with a delay in the groundwater level." The careful use of water helps prevent the groundwater level from dropping further.

The WWZ also emphasizes that the water supply for the municipalities of Zug, Cham, Hünenberg, and parts of Baar is "multi-layered" - it consists of groundwater, spring water, and supply via network connections. "The situation is therefore not alarming."

Nevertheless, WWZ also urges careful use of this valuable resource. Besides refraining from filling pools or washing cars, consumption can be reduced by minimising water usage. For example, when showering, washing hands, and brushing teeth. Collected rainwater should be used in the garden. Ideally, the garden should be watered early in the morning, "when the soil is cool and less water evaporates than at midday."

Lake waterworks ensures a stable supply
In the Ägeri Valley, the lake waterworks, which went into operation in 1993, compensate for the lack of spring water, which often dries up during periods of heat and drought. According to Marc Meyer, Head of Water Supply, the plant currently pumps 1.7 million litres a day into the drinking water supply system. This corresponds to approximately 77% of the daily water demand. He writes: "This demonstrates once again that the lake waterworks is the backbone of the water supply for Oberägeri, Unterägeri, and even Allenwinden during dry periods like the present one." Thanks to this favourable starting point, there’s currently no acute water shortage.