Is there currently a water reduction in Rijeka?

No. The supply is stable and there are no restrictions on water use. The appeal is for voluntary and preventive conservation.

Why are citizens being called to save water?

Due to the prolonged dry period and extremely dry spring months, groundwater reserves are gradually decreasing, and the water supply system is under increased strain.

What are the specific recommendations for saving water?

It is recommended not to water lawns and green areas with drinking water, to postpone washing cars and terraces, not to fill swimming pools, to check installations for leaks, and to use washing machines only when full.

Local

Rijeka Calls for Water Conservation: Reduce Consumption by 10 to 15 Percent

Q: How much is the water consumption intended to be reduced?

The goal is to reduce total daily water consumption by 10 to 15 percent.

A.O. · Prije 2h | 2 min

Due to prolonged drought and dwindling reserves, the City and Water Utility urge citizens and businesses to use water responsibly, although there are currently no supply restrictions.

Summary

The City of Rijeka and the utility company Vodovod i kanalizacija called for voluntary water conservation on August 6, 2026.
The reason is the prolonged drought and decreasing groundwater reserves, although the supply is currently stable.
The goal is to reduce daily consumption by 10 to 15 percent.
Citizens are advised not to water gardens, wash cars, or fill swimming pools.

The City of Rijeka and the municipal utility company Vodovod i kanalizacija issued a joint appeal on Thursday, August 6, 2026, to all citizens, businesses, and the tourism sector within the city. Due to the prolonged dry period and increasingly unfavorable hydrological conditions, they are calling for preventive and voluntary water conservation to maintain the stability of the water supply until the end of summer.

Although the City and the utility company state that the supply is currently stable and that sufficient quantities of health-safe water are ensured, they emphasize that available reserves are gradually decreasing. The water supply system is under increased strain, and this year's hydrological conditions are described as significantly more unfavorable than usual.

Dry Months Deplete Groundwater Reserves

After a rainy start to the year, extremely dry spring months followed. The amount of precipitation during May, June, and July was insufficient to significantly replenish groundwater reserves. As a result, the Rijeka water supply system has been relying on pumping from coastal springs for longer than usual.

Despite the concerning trend, the City of Rijeka and Vodovod i kanalizacija say there is no reason for panic. "At this moment, there is no need to introduce restrictions on water use or reductions in the water supply," their statement reads. However, they warn that the continuation of the dry period and forecasts of above-average high temperatures require responsible use of resources.

Specific Recommendations for Households and Businesses

The goal of all recommended measures is to reduce total daily water consumption by 10 to 15 percent. Citizens are advised not to water lawns and ornamental green areas with drinking water, to postpone washing cars, boats, terraces, and other outdoor surfaces, and to delay filling and topping up swimming pools.

Additionally, it is recommended to check and repair any leaks in internal plumbing systems. Washing machines and dishwashers should only be used when fully loaded, and water should generally be used sparingly in households. Businesses and tourist facilities are urged to use water rationally, regularly check their installations, and implement measures to reduce unnecessary consumption.