Lake Zurich has recorded its lowest water level in 75 years, the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) announced on Wednesday, as Switzerland continues to face a severe drought.
According to FOEN data, the drought situation emerged in the spring and was caused by significantly lower-than-average rainfall, as well as temperatures that were in many cases above normal for this time of year.
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The federal authority said the lack of rainfall had dried out the soil and lowered the levels of surface and groundwater. The situation has deteriorated further in recent weeks.
As a result, many lakes in Switzerland are recording levels below the seasonal average. They include Lakes Constance, Walen, Zurich and Zug, Lake Maggiore, as well as several smaller lakes whose levels are exceptionally low for this time of year.
However, an FOEN spokesperson told AFP that only Lake Zurich has reached the lowest level ever recorded.
On Wednesday, the gauge at Zurichhorn showed a level of 404.5 meters above sea level. This figure surpasses the previous record of 405.46 meters, recorded in 1952, one year after measurements began at this station.
FOEN warned that the sharp decline in water levels could cause problems for navigation, port infrastructure and landing sites. According to the authorities, recreational activities on and along the shores of the lakes could also be affected.
The consequences have also begun to emerge in water transport. Ferry-lac Zurich, which connects Horgen on the western shore with Meilen on the eastern shore of the lake, has informed passengers of restrictions on vehicle transport.
The company explained that the “exceptionally low” water level had forced it to use special ramps for loading and unloading vehicles.
