Unusually low groundwater level in northern Norway – very high in southern and eastern Norway

Northern Norway has recently had high temperatures and sunny weather. Although many people enjoy the summer weather, it brings with it negative consequences, including the risk of forest fires in the northernmost counties.

The dry weather has also led to the water flow in parts of northern Nordland, Troms and outer Finnmark being low or very low in places, with the groundwater level falling, NVE states on its website varsom.no.

– The low groundwater level means that there is little water in many rivers and streams, says hydrogeologist Hervé Colleuille at NVE.

– Can lead to a number of challenges

The hydrogeologist points out that the situation is not dramatic, and that NVE has not yet heard of problems with water supply.

– But if the current weather pattern with very little rainfall and hot weather continues throughout the summer, this could lead to a number of challenges for fishing, agriculture and water supply, says Colleuille.

NVE is therefore issuing a call to owners of fish hatcheries, waterworks owners and well owners in northern Norway who have previously had problems with water supply, to monitor the water level in wells and reservoirs with a view to supply readiness beyond the summer.

– Fare for flom

In Southern and Eastern Norway, the situation is quite different. After a rainy summer, the groundwater level is now very high in several places.

– Fortunately, little rain is expected in the next few days. In the event of heavy rain, a situation with high water saturation in the ground will entail the risk of a rapid increase in water flow and flooding in the rivers and streams, says flood watcher Thomas Væringstad in NVE.

Groundwater in Central Norway and in Western Norway is at a relatively normal level, NVE informs.