Alarming groundwater crisis: almost 100 counties in Germany affected!

Alarming groundwater crisis: almost 100 counties in Germany affected!

Niedersachsen, Deutschland - In Germany, the situation around the groundwater becomes increasingly alarming. A current study on behalf of the Federal Environment and Nature Conservation (BUND) has continued to state terrifying results on the groundwater situation in our country. The Institute for Social-Ecological Research (ISOE) has found that about half of all counties remove more groundwater than can be reproduced by precipitation. Regions such as Lower Saxony, the Rhine rail and parts of East Germany are particularly affected. We currently have the lowest groundwater levels in Germany, which leads to acute groundwater stress in almost 100 counties and independent cities. [Taz] (https://taz.de/ Grundwassknappheit-in-deutschland/!6091399/) reports that the causes are complex and diverse. In addition to climate change, lignite mining, industry and agriculture are particularly relevant factors that contribute to this worrying location.

One of the main causes is brown coal breakdown, which rapidly reduces the groundwater level by pumping large amounts of water. During the active mining phase, companies in the Lausitzer Revier pumped almost 60 billion cubic meters of water into the Spree. In hot summer months, the lack of water could even lead to a decline in the water level of the Spree by up to 75 percent, which would have dramatic consequences for drinking water supply in the Berlin region and the surrounding ecosystems. The Federal Environment Agency explains that the study is a comprehensive analysis of the water management consequences of lignite mining and should offer a basis for future measures to cultivate water resources. In addition, the need to coordinate the water management between the federal states of Saxony, Brandenburg and Berlin in order to meet the challenges. Federal Environment Agency.

The role of climate change

climate change is another serious factor that influences the groundwater situation in Germany. According to the German Weather Service, it is getting warmer and drier in this country, which leads to increased evaporation. In the past 20 years, the natural water stores in Germany have lost impressive 15.2 billion tons of water. This not only leads to groundwater villages in many regions, but also to critical water availability in dry periods. A study by the Helmholtz Center Potsdam provides information about regions that are particularly at risk, including the Oberrheingraben, the southeast of Lower Saxony and the west of North Rhine-Westphalia. Research and knowledge emphasizes that it is important to limit the growth of irrigated areas in affected areas in order to secure the public water supply in the long term.

In addition, increasing pollution by nitrate, phosphate and PFAS represents another challenge that affects water quality. Verena Graichen, managing director of the federal government, therefore calls for a consistent implementation of the national water strategy and a fairer access to water for everyone. The large use of groundwater by companies should no longer remain free of charge. The need to reduce water consumption and to restrict the production of certain chemicals is undisputed.

The situation requires quick action to take into account the aspects of water availability and water quality and to develop long -term strategies. This is the only way we can ensure that our water resources will also be preserved for future generations.