Low Sava River Level Worries Zagreb Residents
Although the river level is low, authorities assure that this is typical for the summer months and that there is no threat to the regular supply of drinking water.
Although the river level is low, authorities assure that this is typical for the summer months and that there is no threat to the regular supply of drinking water.
Concerned citizens have contacted the Zagreb.info editorial office with questions about the state of the Sava River's water level near Zagreb. The sight of gravel bars and shallows emerging from the water has sparked fears about potential consequences for the city's water supply. The Croatian Waters authority reassures the public via Zagreb.info, explaining that there is no reason for panic.
"The Sava's water level in the Zagreb area is currently in the low-water range, which is typical for the summer period marked by high temperatures, increased evaporation, and a lack of precipitation," they stated from Croatian Waters. They add that in recent days, the water level has been mostly stable or showing only a slight downward trend, with no signs of extraordinary hydrological circumstances. According to current forecasts from the State Hydrometeorological Institute (DHMZ), the water level is expected to remain in the low-water range with stable conditions.
Although the sights are unusual, the institution emphasizes that this year's low water levels correspond to seasonal hydrological conditions characteristic of summer. "The occurrence of low water levels during summer is not unusual, especially during prolonged dry and hot periods," they explain, adding that there is currently no confirmation that record-low values have been reached in the Zagreb area.
Photographs taken by Damjan Tadić (CROPIX) clearly show the extent of the water's retreat. However, Croatian Waters warns that comparisons with other major rivers, whose water levels are also very low, are not appropriate. "Like other large rivers, the Sava can drop to very low water levels during prolonged dry periods, during which gravel bars or parts of the riverbed may become visible in shallower sections," they note.
Nevertheless, they emphasize a key difference: "Due to the hydrological and geomorphological characteristics of the Sava and its inflow regime, comparisons with the Danube or the Drava should be viewed with caution because each river responds differently to prolonged lack of precipitation."
The key question for many Zagreb residents was whether the low water level would affect the supply of drinking water. Croatian Waters gives a clear answer: it will not. "Zagreb's water supply system is based primarily on groundwater abstraction, which has significantly greater stability than the river's surface water level itself," they explain.
Although a prolonged drought can affect groundwater levels, "there are currently no indicators pointing to a threat to the regular supply of drinking water." As for the forecast for the coming days, the water level is expected to mostly stabilize with the possibility of a slight decline, while a more significant rise could occur only after heavier rainfall in the upper part of the Sava basin.
Although at first glance a river with less water might seem safer, Croatian Waters specifically warns citizens to be cautious. "Quite the opposite, at low water levels, rapids, uneven bottoms, shallows, and sudden depths can be more pronounced, and the riverbed may contain obstacles such as rocks or tree debris that are not usually visible," they state.
Therefore, they appeal to everyone spending time by the river to be careful and avoid swimming at unregulated and unofficial bathing areas, where such hidden dangers can be most pronounced.
