Orljava Water Level Drops to Just 4 cm
Residents of Požega and Surrounding Areas Urged to Reduce Lawn Watering and Pool Filling to Preserve Drinking Water Supply
Residents of Požega and Surrounding Areas Urged to Reduce Lawn Watering and Pool Filling to Preserve Drinking Water Supply
A prolonged drought and the absence of significant rainfall have led to a dramatic drop in the water level of the Orljava River near Požega, which has fallen to just four centimeters. Due to this situation, experts warn that the river could completely dry up within the next ten days.
The concerning situation was highlighted by Dimitrije Stojković, head of the Water Management Branch for the Orljava-Londža small catchment area. "The trend is that, if such climatic conditions continue, namely high temperatures and a lack of precipitation, the Orljava will unfortunately dry up possibly within the next ten days," Stojković told HRT, as reported by Index.hr.
Večernji list also quotes Stojković with a similar statement: "If these climatic conditions continue, namely high temperatures and a lack of precipitation, the Orljava could unfortunately dry up within the next ten days." He emphasized that brief showers and small amounts of rain are insufficient to replenish the watercourse and underground water reserves. Meteorological forecasts offer little optimism; according to Index.hr, no new precipitation is expected in the next five to seven days, while Večernji list reports that no significant rainfall is expected in the coming days.
Despite the extremely low water level of the Orljava, the drinking water supply for residents of Požega and surrounding areas is not currently at risk. The regional water supply system, which draws from various sources, operates without difficulties. The system uses three groundwater wells, two mountain springs, and one surface intake, ensuring a stable delivery of water to households.
Although there is no shortage at present, the municipal company Tekija has issued a clear appeal to citizens for more rational water consumption. "We appeal to all people to reduce lawn watering and pool filling to ensure a normal water supply for as long as possible," emphasized Krešimir Prpić, technical director of Tekija d. o. o., in a statement to Index.hr.
A nearly identical call, as reported by Večernji list, reads: "We appeal to citizens to reduce lawn watering and pool filling to ensure a regular water supply for as long as possible." Prpić added that prolonged rainfall is not currently in sight, making rational water use of utmost importance for preserving reserves. Further developments will largely depend on weather conditions during August.
