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Dramatic drought: Spree and Black Elster fight for survival!
Cottbus will experience a drastic lack of precipitation in 2025. Water supply and drainage control measures are being taken.
Dramatic drought: Spree and Black Elster fight for survival!
This year nature in Brandenburg is really drawing attention to itself. The drought in particular has caused major concerns in recent months. The rainfall in the months of February to May 2025 was so low that the lowest value was recorded in Cottbus since 2003 and 1976. Only 127 millimeters of rain fell there during this period, which corresponds to about 60% of the expected precipitation. February to May was particularly harsh, with only 44% of the usual rainfall. This doesn't stop the outflows in the Spree and the Black Elster, because they have now declined significantly. CityReport reports a threatening situation: At the Leibsch sub-level, a discharge of only 3.5 cubic meters per second is currently being recorded, which is well below the desired minimum discharge.
The wet start to June has so far provided little relief. In order to stabilize the critical water level, the charges from the Spremberg dam and the Niemtsch reservoir were increased. It wasn't until June 4th that there was a further increase to 9.8 cubic meters per second, but this only serves to stabilize the current outflow. The situation on the Black Elster is similarly dramatic, with an outflow at the Kleinkoschen distribution weir of only 186 liters per second. Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research points out that the adjustments in water management are just the beginning.
Accept climate challenges
One thing is clear: the development of temperatures and precipitation cannot be ignored. Climate projections show an increasing likelihood of droughts in Brandenburg, making the situation even more complicated. An increase in precipitation is forecast, particularly for the winter months, but the question remains whether this will be enough to compensate for long-term water deficits. From 2035 there are already serious concerns that the Spree could run dry on the Brandenburg/Berlin border.
Various measures have been taken in response to the current challenges. The “SpreeWasser:N” project aims to develop effective and sustainable options for action for the Lower Spree region. The focus is on cooperation with water users such as agriculture, water suppliers and nature conservation. The aim is to create specific proposals for prioritizing water uses in dry periods and to develop incentive mechanisms that increase the acceptance of water use restrictions.
Keep an eye on the future
The PIK has not only focused on the acute challenges, but also has long-term perspectives in mind. The development of a hydrological and water management model should make more precise forecasts about the Spree outflow and groundwater recharge possible. This also includes analyzing the efficiency of a wide range of management strategies. The scientific goals of the PIK include the precise identification of extreme climatic events and their effects on water availability.
Overall, it is clear that the drought not only has an impact on the environment, but also on water use and distribution. It will be exciting to see what further measures can be taken to address these challenges and how the affected regions further develop their adaptation strategies. If we all pull together and show a good hand in managing resources, we could succeed in getting the water shortage under control.