Due to extreme consumption caused by irrigation, the water supply system in part of Istria has been pushed to its limits. Residents in eight areas face the first level of restrictions.
Istarski vodovod i odvodnja from Buzet issued an urgent and final warning on Monday, August 3, 2026, to residents in part of Istria. If water consumption, which has peaked due to high temperatures and drought, is not immediately reduced, they will be forced to introduce the first level of restrictions.
The utility company emphasizes that the problem is not a lack of water at the sources, but rather the physical limitations of the distribution network. "The existing smaller-diameter pipelines physically cannot distribute sufficient quantities of water to all users, despite adequate reserves at the sources," they stated. The greatest pressure on the system comes from intensive irrigation of lawns and gardens, and washing of yards, not household consumption.
The appeal for an immediate reduction in consumption applies to specific locations where the situation is most critical. These are the municipalities of Karojba, Kaštelir-Labinci, Motovun, Tinjan, Višnjan, and Vižinada, as well as part of the City of Poreč, specifically the settlements of Baderna and Žbandaj. The warning also applies to the Barat area in the Municipality of Kanfanar.
"To ensure water for everyone's basic needs, we ask you to urgently reduce irrigation of green areas and washing of yards in the following areas," they stated, listing the aforementioned municipalities and settlements.
This warning is more serious in tone than the one issued on Saturday, August 2, 2026, when restrictions were not explicitly mentioned. Now the situation has escalated to a final appeal. "We appeal to all users, if peak consumption is not urgently reduced, we will be forced to introduce the first level of water restrictions," reads the statement from Istarski vodovod i odvodnja, as reported by Telegram.hr.
They also warn of potential consequences of pressure drops in the system. "In the event of water turbidity due to pressure drops in the network, please notify the duty dispatcher," they said. Dnevnik.hr also reports their direct message to citizens: "If you don't stop immediately, we will have to take drastic measures."
While one part of the peninsula faces the threat of restrictions, the situation in the Pula area, Labin area, and part of central Istria is stable. From Vodovod Pula, Labin, they state that no restrictions are currently planned in their area and that water supply is regular and normal.
