Waterways dry

Grande Dixence Dam, Valais

Switzerland's dams are less than half full, the lowest level in two decades, after weeks of heat and no rain have drained rivers and lakes across the country.

The Federal Office of Energy says reservoirs are down to 46% of capacity, and calls the country's waterways exceptionally low. 

That matters beyond the tap: dams also drive hydropower turbines, so weaker reserves mean less electricity. Officials say it is too early to forecast supply problems, since rainfall in the coming months will decide. 

Glacier melt is topping up the flow for now, but glaciologists warn that in ten years, heatwaves like this will find far less ice left to melt.

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