Rational water, will this be the future?

France – Alarm on the Côte d’Azur

France is plagued by severe drought and heat waves. Recently this country recorded the hottest phase ever measured for this period, with temperatures up to 43 degrees and fires. The French Minister of Agrarian Affairs has promised solidarity to farmers. The water level drops, and even sudden rains do not stabilize the situation. Water use is currently restricted in 40 French departments. In the picturesque village of Villars-sur-Var, the critical situation prompted the mayor, René Briquetti, to take strong action and become known throughout France. An alternative to water was only used for bathing and toileting, but for four days in a row running water was not to be used for brushing teeth, cooking or drinking. For two days the residents could get two bottles of water per person in the municipality.

Ital

Italy suffers from drought and eagerly awaits rain, but the drought could last for weeks, civil defense says. Currently the most affected are the northern Italian regions, but water problems are spreading to the south as well. Calls for declaring a national state of emergency have been added. River level Yes, the longest Italian river is the lowest of 70 years. In some regions it has not rained for several months. At the same time there is a lack of snowmelt waters, because the winter was mild. Lakes like Lago Maggiore are very little filled. Water problems have also affected agricultural production. Affected are barley and corn crops, as well as tomatoes and fruits. In many municipalities water is rationed. Citizens should use water only for drinking or for vital needs.

Lack of water in California

Portugal

A critical combination of factors: Portugal suffers from an extreme drought this summer. But even last winter was very dry. To this is added a large consumption of water in agriculture, tourism, etc. The Portuguese Minister of Environment says that he has reservations, but calls on citizens to save water where they can. A major water-saving awareness campaign is expected in July. Portugal will use Corona reconstruction funds to invest in the water economy for the future, such as investments in seawater desalination plants. Portugal is dependent on rivers that have their source in Spain. Because Spain also suffers from drought, more and more water is taken from the rivers there, which brings problems to Portuguese farmers.

poland

Poland is also affected by water supply straits, especially in the west and northwest of the country. According to the UN, Poland today is one of the countries endangered by water shortages. Problems created by unrestricted agriculture are required to be managed, as such excessive agriculture has reached its limits, according to critics.

US

California suffers third year of drought. Governor Gavin Newsom ordered a few days ago that water supply centers save at least 20% water. The measures are very different. Whoever replaces the grass in his garden with artificial grass gets a few hundred dollars subsidy, depending on the size. Pools are quite popular in California. By law they must now be covered immediately. There is also financial support for appliances that collect water from the shower or washing machine. Whoever maintains natural grass can water only twice a week. In California, water utilities have even set up telephone services where citizens can denounce neighbors who do not comply with the measures.

South Africa

This year still remembers well the year 2018, when in the tourist metropolis Kapstadt in one day there was no more water point for use. Day Zero was called this instead. Now this problem has the Nelson Mandela Bay area. About 1.2 million people live here. Lack of rain, but also problems with pipelines and water depots have made this region have difficulties in water supply. Recommendations for water saving are given in this area: Just two minutes shower, shower water is collected and used for washing clothes and toilet afterwards. Planting plants and flowers that do not need much water is being offered. The concern that Day Zero may be repeated is still ubiquitous in South Africa.

Lack of water in Kapstadt

Iran

The deserts of Iran are seen as areas with the highest temperatures, more than 80 degrees. Where it is so hot there is no water or very little. The drying up of the Zayandeh Rud River has become symbolic in the country. This river in Isfahan was once the richest river in the region. Now he has water only a few months a year. Water scarcity is not just a consequence of climate change and global warming, experts criticize. Instead, it pumps a lot of water from the ground, and this causes landslides. Waters are used to irrigate fruit plantations that are exported. Experts criticize the fact that the government in Tehran does not have a long-term concept on how to deal with water shortages in the future.

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