"Fines for Washing Cars with Tap Water"... Europe Imposes Usage Restrictions Amid Scorching Heat

Some Areas in Switzerland and Croatia Ban Tap Water Overuse
Water Demand Controlled in Parts of the UK

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[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] As parts of Europe suffer from scorching heatwaves and water usage continues to rise, some regions are imposing restrictions on tap water usage.

On the 19th (local time), the local government of Mendrisio in the Ticino canton of southern Switzerland announced on its website that "tap water usage is restricted in Mendrisio and nearby small towns such as Basaggio, Tremona, and Salorino." According to the guidelines, activities such as watering gardens or washing cars with drinking tap water, and filling swimming pools are prohibited. Additionally, using household tap water for other purposes may result in fines of up to 10,000 Swiss francs (approximately 13.52 million KRW).

These guidelines have been in effect since the 15th and remain valid until further notice. The Mendrisio area primarily relies on groundwater, and the local government explained that due to the ongoing heatwave, groundwater reserves have decreased to a level requiring control over water consumption.

Similar restrictions on using drinking water for other purposes are also being enforced in the Istria Peninsula area of Croatia. The Istria regional government announced that starting from the previous day, cleaning vehicles, roads, and other public facilities with drinking water, as well as watering green spaces, are prohibited. This decision was made as continuous hot weather increased water demand and forecasts predict insufficient rainfall until next month.

On the 18th (local time), in London, UK, where a heatwave struck, a man is cooling off by soaking his feet in the fountain at Trafalgar Square. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Some areas in the United Kingdom are also regulating water supply. The local water supplier, Affinity Water, lowered water pressure in London, Essex, and Surrey the day before to control the increased water demand.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.