Kosovo River Streams below average IHMK warns of consequences to drinking water and agriculture

The Kosovo Hydromeorological Institute (IHMK) has announced that rivers on the country's territory are marking noticeably lower streams than the multi-year average, due to spring rainfall and winter snow shortages.

According to recent measurements by the state hydrometric network, this situation is more pronounced in the Drini White Basin and its branches, where the Peja Bistrica is mentioned as the most concrete example. Although rainfall has declined from time to time, they have been mainly of the character lynx and local, not significantly affecting the filling of water resources.

IHMK stresses that the low-flow situation is present in most of Kosovo's rivers, but more critical in the white Drini system. Only the Peja Bistrica River, with a under-pocket area of 500 square kilometers, represents 11.5% of its total surface and contributes 13.7% to its overall flow.

The hydrological records of the past five years point to sensitive anomalies in the river's course, especially during the spring months, when the flow is traditionally higher because of the melting of snow and the rains of the season.

According to historical statistics (19630)2009), the average Bistrica in May has been 17.5 cubic metres per second, while in June 7.5 m3/s. But in the last five years (20210)2025), the average month for June has dropped to only 4.8 m3/sʹ, which represents a 56.3% drop compared to historical data.

The institute warns that this decline in underground water and water levels could have serious consequences over the summer, including restrictions on drinking water supply, impacts on the agriculture sector, energy production from hydropower plants and other vital sectors.

For this reason, the IHMK calls for continued monitoring and careful planning of water resources, in order to ease the possible effects of a deepening hydrological drought that could affect the country during the following months. /Periscopi/