Heatwave prompts water concerns; take short showers, advises water company
Drinking water company Vitens has warned of the possibility of low water pressure during the expected heatwave later this week if water usage widely increases, the newspaper De Telegraaf reported on Monday. As a result, the company urges Netherlands residents to take short showers, not to fill up inflatable pools and only to spray the garden when it is really necessary and between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.
"It has been extremely dry for the third year in a row, especially in the south and east of the country. Due to the drought, people use a lot of water, but that cannot be unlimited. Then we cannot replenish our reservoirs on time and we have to reduce the water pressure, so that everyone still gets some water from the tap, " a Vitens spokesman told the newspaper.
The water company's advise comes as the Netherlands braces itself for a heatwave this week, with temperatures in some places expected to reach as high as 33 degrees Celsius.
Vitens added that, due to the higher number of people than usual remaining home this summer due to the Covid-19 crisis, water systems are being placed under increased strain.
The group will try to draw people's attention to the issue by launching a public campaign later this week, according to De Telegraaf.
