Danish water utilities urge conservation after record heatwave usage

Danish water utilities are warning of potential local shortages if consumption does not drop after a weekend heatwave drove usage up by as much as 50 percent in some areas, national broadcaster DR reports.

DANVA, the industry association for Danish water utilities, said the surge—particularly in detached housing areas—was likely due to residents filling paddling pools and watering gardens. In the worst-hit zones, consumption rose 25 to 30 percent above normal, with some areas seeing a 50 percent spike.

“We have enough water, but not for everything,” said Dorte Skræm, DANVA’s drinking water specialist. “If high temperatures persist, it could become a problem.”

Hofor, which supplies around one million customers in the Copenhagen area, recorded its highest-ever weekly consumption, with daily use averaging 20 percent above a typical summer day. The utility warned last Thursday that without reduced demand, pressure could drop, leaving upper-floor residents with limited supply.

After a public appeal, weekend consumption fell, easing the immediate strain, according to Anne Scherfig, Hofor’s water planning manager.

Both DANVA and Hofor stressed that climate change will bring more heatwaves, requiring long-term adjustments. DANVA called for infrastructure upgrades to handle demand spikes, while Hofor is exploring new water sources and additional treatment plants—a process that will take years.

“Until then, we will likely have to ask customers for help again,” Scherfig said.