A recent analysis utilizing two decades of satellite data indicates significant drying of freshwater reserves across much of Europe, particularly in southern and central regions such as Spain, Italy, Poland, and parts of the UK. Researchers from University College London (UCL), in collaboration with Watershed Investigations and the Guardian, examined data from 2002 to 2024 that maps shifts in Earth’s gravitational field, allowing for accurate measurement of water storage changes.
The study highlights contrasting trends in water availability, revealing that northern and northwestern parts of Europe—especially Scandinavia, parts of the UK, and Portugal—have experienced increased precipitation. In contrast, many regions in the south and southeast, including areas in Spain, Italy, France, Germany, and Romania, have seen a decline in water availability. This disparity prompts questions about the sustainability of freshwater resources in regions heavily dependent on these supplies.
Professor Mohammad Shamsudduha from UCL noted a correlation between the observed water storage trends and climate data, suggesting that ongoing climatic changes are affecting water systems. He emphasized that current discussions on limiting temperature increases may underestimate the severity of future climate impacts, as projections point towards a temperature rise of 2°C above preindustrial levels.
In the UK, water trends are mixed; while the west has become wetter, the east has seen significant drying, leading to concerns about the implications for groundwater resources. This shift may challenge water supply systems, particularly in regions where groundwater constitutes a significant portion of drinking water.
Data from the European Environment Agency indicates that while the total water extraction from both surface and groundwater sources decreased from 2000 to 2022, withdrawals from groundwater specifically have risen, raising concerns about long-term sustainability.
The European Commission is addressing these challenges through a water resilience strategy aimed at enhancing management and efficiency in response to climate change pressures. However, experts like Professor Hannah Cloke suggest that immediate measures, such as improving water reuse and infrastructure, are essential to counteract the ongoing trends in water scarcity observed across various European regions.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/nov/29/climate-crisis-depleting-europe-groundwater-reserves-analysis