Cottbus is taking radical measures: water extraction in emergency!

Cottbus is taking radical measures: water extraction in emergency!

In the city of Cottbus, a water abstraction ban, which was issued by general decree, now applies. This ban affects the extraction of water from rivers and lakes using pumps and is currently in effect from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The city has published the regulation on its website, and it has already been signaled that the state authorities will extend the ban. Loud rbb24 The State Office for the Environment has already implemented stage 2 of the low water concept in the central Spree area.

The decision to restrict water extraction was not made without reason. After all, the rivers and soils in the region are suffering from acute drought stress. Last winter's rainfall was not enough to significantly stabilize the water balance, which also affects the districts of Dahme-Spreewald, Spree-Neiße and Oberspreewald-Lausitz, which have taken similar measures. Loud Time The water levels in numerous bodies of water are so low that water has had to be supplied from lakes to support rivers such as the Black Elster for a long time.

Soils suffer from drought

The situation is made even more difficult by the low amounts of rain. The soils are in a condition that is dangerous for agriculture and natural vegetation. Any water extraction using pumps, be it electric garden pumps or submersible pumps, is therefore prohibited. Only scooping up water with a watering can is permitted, but the rule also applies here: with moderation and consideration. These measures are necessary to counteract the continuous decline in water levels and to protect nature.

The extent of the dry conditions is clearly evident in the county reports. The Elbe-Elster district even speaks of “historically low flows” of the Black Elster. The increasing water abstraction for agriculture and the influence of mining activities further exacerbate the problem and make it clear that comprehensive awareness of the problem is required.

Outlook for the coming months

With a view to the future and in view of advancing climate change, which could reduce water availability in many regions of Germany, sustainable solutions are required. Research projects such as WADKlim provide important recommendations for action to improve water management and minimize future conflicts of use. These strategies for sustainable water use must be integrated into political decision-making processes in order to ensure equitable care not only for nature but also for all those affected.

The situation surrounding water extraction in the Cottbus region once again illustrates how urgent the issue of water and climate protection is. The people in the affected districts are called upon to use water resources responsibly and to follow the recommendations. This is the only way to ensure sustainable use of water in the future in order to ensure intact nature for future generations.