Ruhr Water Supply Faces Challenges Amid Drought in North Rhine-Westphalia
In the face of a prolonged dry spell in North Rhine-Westphalia, the Ruhrverbands, a regional water management organization, has taken measures to ensure the supply of drinking water. According to Markus Rüdel, the Ruhrverbands’ spokesperson, the organization has had to release water from the reservoirs on 39 days since January 1, 2025, to maintain the minimum water flow at the Villigst and Hattingen gauges.
The Ruhrverbands is responsible for providing drinking water to approximately 4.6 million people in the region. Rüdel noted that the water level in the reservoirs is currently 4.3 percent lower than the long-term average for May 21. Despite a relatively average April, the region is expected to face another dry month, with Rüdel stating that it is likely to be “again quite dry” in May.
While the situation may seem concerning, Rüdel reassured the public that there is no need to worry about the water supply, as the reservoir system is well-prepared to handle further dry months.