Austria’s Water Treasure - Protecting and using our groundwater sustainably

Successful water management requires a comprehensive understanding of both current and future groundwater resources. The study “Austria’s Water Treasure” offers an extensive, up-to-date overview of data crucial for the quantitative management of groundwater resources across the entire country of Austria. It includes information on:

• Current and future available groundwater resources
• Water demand across various economic sectors, both current and future
• The intensity of current and future groundwater utilization

“Knowing about available water resources and demand are key for sustainable water management. This is exactly what that impressively wide-ranging study provides. But even in a country abundant of water like Austria we are facing challenges caused by climate change. It is the responsibility of us all to protect our water treasure sustainably by using it carefully.” Monika Mörth, Austrian Water Director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management.

The study considers different scenarios for changes of groundwater recharge due to climate change and potential variations in groundwater demand. It presents both the current and projected ranges of available groundwater resources until 2050 through:

• a “favourable” Water Treasure Scenario
• an “unfavourable” Water Treasure Scenario

According to the “favourable” Water Treasure Scenario, in some regions of Austria, the intensity of water use is expected to increase by 2050. While the number of areas with very high use intensity will rise, available groundwater resources will not be exceeded. In contrast, under the “unfavourable” Water Treasure Scenario, some regions of Austria may see until 2050 water use intensity exceed 75% of available groundwater resources, and in certain areas, demand could surpass available groundwater resources.

“Water demand for farmland irrigation differs regionally and is much higher seasonally. That is already a big challenge in regions with low precipitation rates and solving the issue is essential to food supply security. Climate change will cause this demand to further increase by 2050.” Helga Lindinger, Environment Agency Austria

The study thus provides a solid foundation for the decision-making process in water management. It serves as a basis for the timely discussion and planning, addressing potential future water shortages and ensuring the:

• continued supply of drinking water of the highest standard,
• of water to benefit agricultural production and
• of water for Austrian businesses.

Over-extraction of groundwater is worsening water scarcity and disrupting the water cycle around the world. With projects like Austria’s Water Treasure, we can better plan, prepare, and monitor water resources and usage, helping ensure that water remains available and plentiful for a future #WaterWiseEU. 

#WaterWiseEU campaign 

This story has been submitted by a partner of the #WaterWiseEU campaign. The EU-wide campaign focuses on water resilience, aiming to change the way we see, use and value water. Find out more about the campaign and how you can get involved.