This summer's spring has been one of the warmest in recorded history, according to meteorologists, which has exposed Czech agriculture and forests to severe drought. Although substantial rainfall in recent days has brought some improvement, large areas of the territory still suffer from reduced soil moisture and poorer availability of underground water sources. Without further precipitation, experts from the T. G. Masaryk Water Research Institute (VÚV) warn of a rapid return of drought.
“Despite the current rainfall, the situation in the Czech landscape is tense. Rain does improve surface conditions in the short term, but deeper water reserves are replenished only very slowly. These are crucial for the stability of water resources and the functioning of the entire landscape in the coming months,” warns Libor Ansorge, Deputy Director for Research and Professional Activities at VÚV. Data from the HAMR system, which the institute collaborates on, confirm that there is less water in the soil and that the landscape is in a long-term deficit.
The impacts are visible across the landscape
The lack of water affects not only agriculture but also forests and water resources. Soil in many areas remains dry, and short-term rains help primarily only in the upper layer. Drought thus threatens the stability of the landscape, crop production, and the availability of water for communities dependent on local sources. At the same time, it is becoming evident that weather extremes, such as the combination of drought, high temperatures, and local torrential rainfall, increase pressure on the entire ecosystem.
The Radegast Brewery is also responding to this situation, as it has long been concerned with water issues. In addition to savings in production, it focuses primarily on measures directly in the landscape – supporting ponds, wetlands, and other projects that help retain water where it is most needed. As part of the Water Fight initiative, the brewery has therefore set a clear commitment: by 2030, to return as much water to the Czech landscape as it consumes in beer production. “We want to emphasize that alongside large measures, individual approaches play a fundamental role in the landscape. Each of us can contribute, for example, by capturing rainwater, practicing sustainable management at home, or caring for our surroundings. It is precisely the combination of systemic changes and everyday habits that we believe is key to keeping water in the Czech landscape for the future,” explains Josef Jalůvka, Senior Brand Manager of the Radegast brand.
Radegast returns water to the landscape and engages the public
Radegast is also trying to bring the issue of water closer to the general public. “We want to show that we can combat drought by combining long-term projects in the landscape with specific steps that each of us can take,” adds Josef Jalůvka. For this reason, this theme has long been linked with specific activities that have a direct impact on the landscape and everyday life. This year, the importance of water was once again highlighted by kayaker and Olympic medalist Vavřinec Hradilek, who symbolically returned to the Nusle Steps after two years. He recalled his iconic descent down the steps in a kayak and presented what he will continue with this year – a series of “waterless” sports challenges. Through these, he will demonstrate how absurd it would be to function without water and why it is important to take care of it. More information about the specific activities of the Radegast brewery can be found on the website www.bojovodu.cz.
