Fight against the drought: Havelland enacts strict water regulation!

Fight against the drought: Havelland enacts strict water regulation!

Havelland, Deutschland - The persistent drought also makes headlines in the Hovelland district. On June 30, 2025, a general order came into force that passed a drastic regulation for water withdrawal. This measure, which applies by September 30, 2025, aims to protect the water resources and to counteract the sunken water levels in rivers. The [Rathenow24] (https://www.rathenow24.de/newsleser/landkreis-havelland-leaft-laubung---approach-all-community-all-round-and-water withdrawal. In addition, green and garden areas as well as sports facilities between 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. should not be irrigated from wells, cisterns or the public drinking water network.

The current weather situation is alarming. Since February 2025, the worst drought has been observed in the Havelland since the beginning of the weather records in 1881. At the lower Havel, more precisely at the Albertsheim measuring station, the water outflow is currently only 10 m³/s, while the long -term average is 59 m³/s in June. The groundwater levels are also at a historically low level. In this context, the [Havelland] (https://www.havelland.de/landkreis-verwaltung/pressemitteilungen/einzelansicht/news/detical/wasser withdrawal-weiterhin-einschrakt/) emphasizes that the hydrological location remains tense and there is no oversupply on water. A normalization of the groundwater levels would require at least six months of rain.

permitted measures and exceptions

Despite the strict rules, there are also relief: the irrigation of small garden areas with the watering can is still permitted. Trees and shrubs can also be irrigated with suction wagons on public areas. There is the possibility for farms to apply for exceptional permits to secure their income and to ensure the optimal care of their cultures.

The problem of the water shortage is not only locally, but also affects the entire region. A look across the borders also shows that climate change has long since moved in. The Federal Environment Agency carries out projects such as Wadklim that research the effects of dryness and drought on the water intake requirement, the floor water balance and the availability of groundwater in Germany. These studies are crucial in order to analyze both the current water availability and possible future conflicts with regard to water use and to develop suitable measures.

outlook and measures

The general decree in the district once again shows how important it is to deal responsibly with water availability and resources. In view of the enormous challenges that climate change brings, sustainable solutions and a forward -looking handling of water are essential. The situation remains tense, but there is space for movement and hope for an improvement when the rainy times return.