Situation in the Alps: Water scarce at mountain huts - what hikers should do

In many areas of the Alps, a prolonged dry spell and snow-poor winters have led to water shortages. The German Alpine Club (DSV) advises hikers planning long tours to inquire beforehand about whether the mountain huts along their route are rationing drinking water. The water scarcity situation has resulted in rationing measures, such as charging for refilling water bottles and stopping the refilling of water bottles altogether in some huts in South Tyrol and the Dolomites.

To ensure you have enough water, bring a sufficient supply with you if you are unsure about the availability of fresh drinking water during your hike.

When filling your water bottle on the trail, avoid sources and streams located below pastures and huts, as well as stagnant bodies of water, unless you have a water filter or the means to boil the water. Regardless, it is always safer to purify water before drinking it. The Deutscher Alpenverein (DAV) reports that most of the huts they operate in the German and Austrian Alps are currently experiencing water shortages and implementing various measures to address the issue, such as closing showers, introducing dry toilets instead of sink toilets, and rationing drinking water for guests.

To help conserve water, the DAV recommends keeping showers brief or avoiding them altogether, even if they are technically possible at the mountain hut in question. Using a cat litter bath instead of a shower can significantly reduce water consumption. Those who still want clean change of clothes can feel fresh and well-prepared. Lastly, some huts are reducing unnecessary dishwashing to minimize water waste.