Alarming groundwater crisis: Almost 100 districts in Germany affected!

Alarming groundwater crisis: Almost 100 districts in Germany affected!

In Germany, the situation surrounding groundwater is becoming increasingly alarming. A current study commissioned by the Federal Environment Agency and Nature Conservation Agency (BUND) has revealed shocking results on the groundwater situation in our country. The Institute for Social-Ecological Research (ISOE) found that around half of all districts extract more groundwater than can be replenished through precipitation. Regions such as Lower Saxony, the Rhine region and parts of eastern Germany are particularly affected. We are currently recording the lowest groundwater levels in Germany, which is leading to acute groundwater stress in almost 100 districts and independent cities. Taz reports that the causes are complex and diverse. In addition to climate change, open-cast brown coal mining, industry and agriculture are key factors that contribute to this worrying situation.

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

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 becoming warmer and drier in this country, which is leading to increased evaporation. In the last 20 years, natural water reservoirs in Germany have lost an impressive 15.2 billion tons of water. This not only leads to groundwater droughts in many regions, but also to critical water availability during dry periods. A study by the Helmholtz Center Potsdam provides information about regions that are particularly at risk, including the Upper Rhine Graben, southeast Lower Saxony and western 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 public water supplies in the long term.

In addition, increasing pollution from nitrate, phosphate and PFAS poses another challenge that affects water quality. Verena Graichen, Managing Director of BUND, is therefore calling for consistent implementation of the national water strategy and fairer access to water for everyone. Large-scale use of groundwater by companies should no longer remain free of charge. The need to reduce water consumption and limit the production of certain chemicals is undisputed.

The situation requires rapid action to address water availability and water quality issues and develop long-term strategies. This is the only way we can ensure that our water resources are preserved for future generations.