Alarming groundwater stress: Overuse threatens our water source!

Alarming groundwater stress: Overuse threatens our water source!

In view of the alarming developments in Germany, which show up in the latest study by the Institute for Social-Ecological Research (ISOE) on behalf of the federal government, a worrying image of the groundwater is evident in this country. More than 200 counties are particularly affected, mainly in Eastern and Northern Germany and along the Upper Rhine. These regions already feel the pressure through excessive groundwater withdrawals, which are carried out by both public and non -public bodies. The study speaks of structural and acute stress, with the former indicating permanent overuse and the latter is characterized by short -term lowering of the groundwater level. According to the federal government, the current figures and cards are alarming to the availability and use of groundwater and require urgent measures for the water crisis in Germany.

But what is behind this groundwater stress? One of the causes that is illuminated in the study is the consequences of climate change. [current.uni-Frankfurt.de] (https://aktuelles.uni-frankfurt.de/forschung/klimawandel-sinkt-das-grunder-versickern-baeche-und-fluesse- und-dirt-das-drinkwasser/) reports that less and less precipitation is associated with increasing drought. This reduces the groundwater levels, which means that loaded surface water gets into the groundwater. This development endangers both drinking water supply and the ecosystems that rely on groundwater. For many regions in Germany, including Middle Franconia, the Allgäu and large parts of the eastern federal states, a tightening of the situation is forecast.

adaptation to changed conditions

In order to counter the challenges, new research approaches are urgently required. Researchers like Petra Döll from the Goethe University Frankfurt and Hans Jürgen Hahn from the University of Koblenz-Landau emphasize the need to better understand the formation of groundwater under the changed climatic conditions. In their publication "Making Waves: Pulling The Plug", they point to the tipping points in the landscape water balance, where the water can no longer rise from the soil, which could result in catastrophic consequences for the environment. Groundwater no longer pushes up, instead rivers seepage into the surface and let pollutants penetrate the groundwater, the experts warn.

Hydrological modeling plays a crucial role in recognizing the effects of these changes. According to the siker.de, the hydrology, which deals with the water on and underground, has a central importance to understand the water balance. In cities, the increasing sealing of the floors leads to less infiltration and increased surface drains, which increases the risk of flood. In Germany, most of the precipitation cycle runs over evaporation, but it is important to also look at the part that is supplied to the groundwater. Here it is important to find solutions in urban planning to optimize this process.

need for action and outlook

In addition to improving the administration of the groundwater, it is of great importance to protect the quality of the surface water. Suggestions to minimize the pollutants include a reduction in water consumption and the expansion of fourth cleaning levels in sewage treatment plants. This is the only way to secure the drinking water supply in Germany for future generations.