Austria Proposes New Water Extraction Register

Environment Minister Norbert Totschnig introduces a water register draft following historic drought levels and record low river levels.

Following the second driest first half of a year on record and historic lows for the Danube in July 2026, the Austrian Ministry of Agriculture, Regions and Tourism has drafted a water extraction register. Sent to coalition partners on July 28, the plan targets reporting thresholds of 200,000 cubic meters annually or 30 liters per second. While industry consumes two-thirds of Austria's water, households use one-quarter and agriculture four percent. Drinking water is sourced almost entirely from groundwater and springs, serving 93 percent of the population. Recent infrastructure efforts include 1.5 billion euros invested over three years to build 1,500 kilometers of new pipes and develop 370 wells. Additionally, Tyrol has established a precaution concept through 2050 to secure supply as individual daily consumption averages 130 liters.