Alarm in Slavonia: Orljava Could Dry Up in About Ten Days

The water level of the Orljava River in the Požega area has dropped to a mere four centimeters. Due to a prolonged dry spell and the absence of significant rainfall, experts do not rule out the possibility of the river drying up completely within the next ten days. Although there is currently no danger to the drinking water supply, citizens have been urged to reduce unnecessary consumption.

As reported by HRT reporter Hrvoje Šimunović in HTV's noon news journal (Dnevnik), the water level of the Orljava is currently extremely low, and the Croatian Waters Agency (Hrvatske vode) has already warned about the possibility of total desiccation.

"No new rainfall is expected in the next five to seven days, so a scenario involving the possible complete drying up of the Orljava River bed is not impossible," Šimunović said.

Orljava Could Dry Up in About Ten Days

The danger was also highlighted by Dimitrije Stojković, head of the Water Management Branch for the Orljava–Londža Sub-basin.

"The trend is that if these weather conditions continue—meaning if high temperatures and the lack of precipitation persist—the Orljava will, unfortunately, dry up perhaps in the next ten days," Stojković said.

He added that short-term showers and small amounts of rain cannot currently replenish the watercourses or underground water reserves sufficiently.

Will the Požega Region Run Out of Drinking Water?

Despite the worrying forecasts, residents of Požega and surrounding areas should not fear for their drinking water supply at this time.

Šimunović explained that the regional water supply system of the Požega region is fed from multiple sources.

"There is no issue with the drinking water supply; it reaches households and consumers perfectly normally," stated the Municipal Water Utility.

The system is, in fact, supplied by three underground pumping stations, two mountain springs, and one surface water intake.

Appeal Issued to Citizens: Limit Watering and Pool Filling

Although there is enough water for now, experts warn that citizens should reduce unnecessary consumption.

"We are appealing to everyone to cut back on watering lawns and filling pools to ensure a normal water supply over the longest possible period," emphasized Krešimir Prpić, technical director of the company Tekija d.o.o.

He added that long-term precipitation is not currently in sight, making the rational use of water extremely important.

Source: HRT