Dutch Government Announces Water Shortage Amid Heat Wave

The Dutch government on Wednesday announced a national water shortage caused by the heat waves.

The country formed a national team to increase measures to manage supplies while asking the public to also contribute to conservation efforts.

Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management Mark Harbers said; "The water shortage is already having a negative effect on shipping and agriculture in particular.

"People need to think carefully about whether they should wash their car or completely fill their inflatable swimming pool. The Netherlands is a water country, but our water is precious here too.”

The government added that drinking water supplies are not threatened and said new measures are not yet necessary but could be in the coming weeks.

The European Union’s executive warned last month that the continent is facing one of its toughest years when it comes to natural disasters like droughts and wildfires because of increasing climate change.