Will there be water reductions in Zadar and the surrounding area?

According to Mayor Šime Erlić, there will be no need for reductions for now, as the water supply system is currently stable.

What caused the water supply problems this season?

The sudden multiple increase in the number of users during the tourist season and prolonged dry spells created significant pressure on the system, leading to pressure drops in some parts of the county.

What is the long-term solution for the water supply in Zadar County?

The long-term solution is the construction of a new pipeline and bringing water from the Zrmanja River, a project being developed in coordination with the government, which should ensure a more secure supply for the entire county and part of the islands.

Local

Erlić: Water Supply System in Zadar and County Stable, No Reductions Expected

A.O. · Prije 16h | 2 min

Mayor Šime Erlić stated that the water supply system is stable but warned of the need for major infrastructure investments, particularly the water pipeline from the Zrmanja River.

Summary

Mayor Šime Erlić confirmed that Zadar and the county face no water reductions and that the system is stable.
The tourist season causes a multiple increase in the number of users and significant pressure on existing infrastructure.
The long-term solution to water supply issues is bringing water from the Zrmanja River, but this project will take years to complete.

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Currently, neither Zadar nor Zadar County faces the threat of water supply reductions. Mayor Šime Erlić, speaking on Radio Zadar on Tuesday, assured citizens that the water supply system is currently stable despite the significant pressure brought on by the tourist season.

Seasonal Pressure and Initial Issues

Following a series of coordination meetings with the Waterworks management and technical services, Erlić stated:

"There will be no need for reductions. The system is currently stable."

However, he admitted that the first major impact of this season has already left its mark. In certain parts of the county, drops in pressure and issues with water availability were recorded, prompting the Waterworks to appeal for rational consumption. The situation has since stabilized through better optimization of water pumping stations and increased water inflow into the system.

"Water levels are not high, but the system is stable, and that's what matters,"

Erlić said.

Seasonal Strain on Infrastructure

The mayor explained that the biggest challenge arises at the peak of the tourist season when the number of users multiplies within just a few days.

"Our number of users increases tenfold all at once during the season. It doesn't happen gradually. Key weekends arrive, with a large number of tourists, and that's a major shock to the system,"

Erlić emphasized, adding that prolonged dry spells further complicate maintaining stability.

Long-Term Solution from the Zrmanja River

Although the current situation is under control, Erlić warns that Zadar and the county need a serious infrastructure leap. He sees the long-term solution in installing a new pipeline and supplying water from the Zrmanja River. The existing network, as he noted, is largely old and dilapidated, with significant water losses.

Work on a long-term water supply plan is already underway in cooperation with the government. A system is being developed that will ensure better and more reliable water delivery for the entire Zadar County, including part of the islands. However, realizing such a project will take years.