Prague has completed the pond at Letná, it contains water from the Vltava.

Prague - The Prague Magistrate has completed the pond in Letná, which was filled with water from the Vltava River in the second half of last year. City spokesman Vít Hofman stated this in response to a query from ČTK. The pond is located in the area north of the Hanavský Pavilion towards the sandy area and is fed by a pump drawing water from the Vltava. Its main purpose is irrigation, and it is also intended for recreation, although swimming will be at one's own risk.

"The regime here will be similar to that at the ponds in Stromovka. Swimming is at one's own risk, there is a ban on swimming with dogs, and we will not allow boats – the area is simply too small for that and conflicts could arise. The water surface is 6,500 square meters, with a maximum depth of about two meters," Hofman stated. The costs for creating the area amounted to 15.6 million crowns excluding VAT.

The city drew water into the pond through one of the three working shafts of Rudolf's Mine from the 16th century. The filling was completed before Christmas, Hofman added. One of the reasons for creating the new area is also the fight against drought - the city is gradually repairing and improving ponds and watercourses and building reservoirs to retain water. The new pond includes an island that can be reached via a wooden walkway.

According to earlier information from the magistrate, Prague owns 85 ponds covering an area of 120 hectares. An additional 20 ponds covering 30 hectares are owned by private individuals. The city also owns 32 retention tanks, seven dry reservoirs, 28 rainwater tanks, and four large water works, such as the Hostivař Dam or Džbán.

Prague city councilors approved a set of rules at the end of the year before last, aimed at combating drought. The city is to support the construction of water surfaces and elements and minimize paved areas, which should be replaced by spaces with permeable surfaces. Greenery is to be planted on building roofs to utilize water, improve the environment, and cool the city. The document is based on a climate strategy approved the year before last.