Potsdam issues a strict ban on water extraction – a fine of up to 50,000 euros!

Potsdam issues a strict ban on water extraction – a fine of up to 50,000 euros!

In Potsdam there is now a strict ban on taking water from the local lakes and rivers. This measure was decided on July 15, 2025 and is valid until October 10 of this year. The reason for the water withdrawal ban is the persistent drought that has been evident for several years. The water levels of the Havel and Nuthe in particular are alarmingly low, which the city administration attributes to insufficient rainfall and extreme weather conditions. The Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) reports the lowest rainfall in the first half of the year in over 130 years. Despite isolated rainfall, the weather situation remains tense as the groundwater levels in Brandenburg have fallen continuously in recent years and this situation can now be viewed as normal.

City officials warn that continued water extraction not only threatens water supplies, but could also cause significant ecological damage. These include, among other things, algae growth and fish deaths. In view of the scarcity, people are advocating for a conscious use of water. Tips include watering gardens preferably in the cooler mornings or evenings, collecting rainwater and using mulch to keep the soil moist. The call for cautious watering of lawns is also part of the campaign to conserve water and support nature. Tixio reports that there is a maximum fine of up to 50,000 euros for violations of the ban.

Exceptions and risks

Garden owners who wanted to take water from surface water for irrigation purposes are particularly affected by the measures. However, the ban makes an exception for the gardens of the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation and the city's public green spaces. Under certain conditions, such as between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m., water can be withdrawn from the waters.

The drought in Brandenburg is not new. Extreme low water situations have been the order of the day since 2018. In June 2025, for example, just 38 liters of precipitation per square meter were measured, which classifies the region as one of the driest in Germany. Experts warn that global warming and the associated higher temperatures will further reduce rainfall in summer. Tagesspiegel heartily postulate that the water balance problem affects not only Potsdam, but the whole of Brandenburg. As of July 2025, there were already cross-district water abstraction bans, which have now also taken root in Potsdam.

Climate change and solutions

The current low water situation is a direct result of previous dry periods and is further exacerbated by rising temperatures. As the MAZ analyses, several municipalities in Brandenburg have already imposed restrictions on water withdrawal. Overall, rainfall in the region is around 60 percent lower than normal, further complicating the situation. The discharge volume at the Havel and Nuthe river gauges is below the recommended guidelines and shows how critical the situation actually is.

The hope for a significant improvement in the situation rests on future rainfall. However, weather forecasts suggest that a comprehensive easing of the low water situation is not in sight for the time being. A rethinking of how we use water is now more important than ever in order to protect the flora and fauna of water bodies and to guarantee a sustainable water supply.