Droughts Are Hurting Europe

While droughts are to blame for current water problems throughout Europe, farmers and researchers are also attributing the problem to poor water management and infrastructure. "In Austria, the Danube is now so low that barges can only carry half their usual loads, while all shipping is blocked on a stretch of the Elbe in the German state of Saxony because the river has shrunk so much." In Italy, there are "outdated reservoirs and delivery systems throughout the country; it's estimated that 27% of Italy's water supply is lost along the way through leaky basins and piping." The national irrigation board of Italy is pressing for a new integrated, country-wide hydration system.