A satellite-based study analyzing data from 2002 to 2024 finds rapid freshwater depletion across large parts of Europe, with drying in the south and southeast (including Spain, Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany, Romania, and parts of Ukraine) and wetter conditions in the north and west (Scandinavia, Portugal, parts of the United Kingdom).

Groundwater remains under pressure in many areas, mirroring total storage declines; heavy summer rainfall increases runoff and flash floods may shorten groundwater recharge periods, despite groundwater's relative climate resilience.

Northwestern Europe, including Scandinavia and parts of Northwest Europe, is becoming wetter, creating a clear north-south moisture gradient across the continent.

The findings act as an urgent wake-up call for policymakers to accelerate CO2 reductions and strengthen water resilience and infrastructure, noting leakage rates in water distribution networks can range from eight to 57 percent.

Policy implications call for water reuse, reduced overall water use, separation of drinking and recycled water, nature-based solutions, and faster adoption of new water management practices to match long-term drying trends.

Experts from UCL and the University of Reading underscore climate-change realities in Europe and advocate proactive adaptation, openness to unconventional water-management ideas, and addressing drought risks.

The study, a collaboration including University College London and Watershed Investigations and reported by The Guardian, links Europe’s drying trend to climate change and warns of threats to groundwater, soils, agriculture, drinking water, and ecosystems.

Researchers tie observed trends to climate breakdown, noting a broad correlation between total terrestrial water storage declines and climate data, with warming likely approaching 2C above preindustrial levels.

The overall message is that while the global water cycle doesn’t lose water, distribution shifts toward drier soils and groundwater depletion increase the risk of water crises if trends persist.

Cited sources include the European Environment Agency and statements from a European Commission spokesperson detailing ongoing strategies and recommendations.

The report highlights implications for regions including Ukraine and stresses the need for investments in water and soil management, upgraded water networks, and improved storage to reduce dependence on seasonal rainfall.

While the original data have not been publicly released or peer-reviewed, findings align with prior studies and echo concerns about soil drying and water scarcity.