Berlin waters on the brink: climate change is exacerbating the crisis!

Berlin waters on the brink: climate change is exacerbating the crisis!

In recent years, the state of water in Berlin and Brandenburg has become increasingly worrying. Again Berlin courier reported, rivers and lakes are suffering from the consequences of climate change and human intervention. What is particularly striking is the water quality in Wannsee, which has deteriorated significantly in 2024 as the water is often covered in blue-green algae. Overall, the bathing water quality is considered good to very good in many parts, but at 8 of 56 measuring points the traffic light is clearly red - a grade 5, while 27 measuring points receive an orange - grade 4.

The assessment of ecological water quality includes factors such as algae and plant colonization as well as pollutant content such as phosphorus and nitrogen. The combined sewer system in Berlin poses a challenge, as it puts additional strain on the Spree. Drugs and chemicals from households end up in the water every day and further worsen the condition.

EU directives and local measures

With the Water Framework Directive of 2000, the European Union is aiming for ambitious goals to improve water quality by 2027. However, with only 9 percent of ecologically intact water bodies, Germany has a value that is significantly below average compared to other EU states, where only 37 percent of the water bodies are considered intact ( Federal Environment Agency ). The main causes are high levels of nutrients and pollutants from agriculture, sewage treatment plants and industry. This leads to the Spree in particular being classified as predominantly “unsatisfactory” and the Havel having an even worse record of “poor”.

In order to improve the condition of the waters, renaturation work is urgently needed. NABU is already carrying out measures south of Havelberg, and funding from the federal states of Brandenburg and Saxony-Anhalt is also being made available to meet EU requirements by 2033. However, water levels in the region have declined by almost 50 percent due to climate change, which further increases the need for action.

Global characteristics and challenges

Overall, the picture is alarming: according to the European Environment Agency, only 37 percent of surface waters in the EU achieved “good” ecological status in 2021. In Germany, no surface water is in an acceptable chemical condition ( European Parliament ). The causes are varied; Heavy metals, microplastics and other emerging pollutants as well as fertilizers from agriculture pose significant challenges to a large proportion of water bodies.

In view of this misery, the pressure on those responsible is increasing to take clear and quickly implemented measures to reduce harmful discharges into our waters. The calls to adjust legal limits and create natural habitats are louder than ever.

Overall, one thing remains clear: our waters urgently need more attention and protection in order to be able to serve as a habitat and resource for future generations. The need for action is undeniably great, and it is time to implement concrete measures to achieve a sustainable improvement in water quality.