Heavy rains can be fatal for fish in ponds and streams. Due to the drought and the heat, the water is already warm and low in oxygen, and rainstorms can cause sewers to overflow. This dirty water, together with dirt and dog faeces from the street, flows into the water in ponds and streams, further reducing the oxygen content. Fish succumb to it.
The Vechtstream Water Board, active in Southeast Drenthe, warns that many fish can die at the same time as a result. Passers-by can also see many fish gasping for oxygen. In that case, the shelf wants to be warned. Together with anglers, it is then examined whether the fish can be moved to more oxygen-rich water.
The board advises people not to catch snapping fish themselves. Only anglers have the right method for that. Careless catching loosens silt from the water bottom, making the water turbid. Fish also suffer from this. The shelf will remove dead fish as soon as possible. Dead fish can still be found in ponds and streams even after a few days.
In Drenthe, the KNMI has declared code orange for today. The weather code takes effect at 5 p.m. and initially applies until 9 p.m.