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Cottbus bans water extraction: drought hits the region hard!
Due to persistent drought, Cottbus prohibits the withdrawal of water from rivers and lakes. Measures apply until revoked.
Cottbus bans water extraction: drought hits the region hard!
A bitter setback for water lovers in Cottbus: The city has issued a general decree prohibiting the withdrawal of water from rivers and lakes using pumps between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. This is reported by the daily news. It was recently revealed that the measure is part of efforts to combat declining water levels in the region. The State Office for the Environment is now taking more drastic measures after stage 2 of the low water concept was activated.
The water shortage has not only affected Cottbus. Similar bans apply in several districts of southern Brandenburg, including Dahme-Spreewald, Spree-Neiße, Oberspreewald-Lausitz and Elbe-Elster. The authorities justify these measures with the alarmingly low water levels in the waters. In the Daily Mirror It was pointed out that many rivers, such as the Black Elster, have been suffering from drought stress for years and need to be temporarily supported with water from lakes.
Water level in the basement
The situation has worsened in recent months. The winter rains were not sufficient to stabilize the water balance for the summer months. As the Dahme-Spreewald district reports, insufficient rainfall has led to extreme water levels in recent months. In the case of Elbe-Elster, the authorities even speak of “historically low flows” in relation to the Black Elster.
The measures intended to secure water levels not only affect the leisure sector, but also agriculture and companies that rely on water extraction. Electric garden pumps and submersible pumps are strictly prohibited. Only skimming water with a watering can is permitted in moderation, which underlines the ongoing drought and very dry soils in the district.
Consequences of climate change
The water crisis in Brandenburg is part of the larger problem caused by ongoing climate changes. According to that CONVENTION Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns have already created serious challenges. Sealed areas in cities contribute to flooding, while at the same time there is a water shortage in rural areas. These contradictory effects express the need to create more green spaces to stabilize the water balance.
The current situation in Brandenburg highlights the fight against climate change and the need to take proactive measures. It remains to be seen whether the measures taken will be sufficient to stabilize water levels. However, it is clear to residents: water is a precious commodity and at the moment it is not available in abundance.