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Ecological catastrophe: Spree and Havel on alert!
Brandenburg's waters are heavily polluted. Despite EU requirements, a turnaround by 2027 is doubtful. Consequences for the environment and health?
Ecological catastrophe: Spree and Havel on alert!
The water in Berlin and Brandenburg is known for its high level of use, be it for the transport of goods or for leisure. But behind the idyllic facade there are alarming facts. The ecological condition of the rivers and lakes, especially the Spree and Havel, can no longer be glossed over. According to a recent report by Hasepost, the condition of the waters is anything but good. In 2024, not a single measuring point in the region achieved the required goal of “good ecological status”, which is required by the EU Water Framework Directive of 2000. The water quality values shown are red or orange – a clear signal!
State Secretary for Climate Protection and the Environment in Berlin, Britta Behrendt, is skeptical about the timely implementation of the directive by 2027. Jean Henker, head of department in the Potsdam Ministry of the Environment, also speaks of massive obstacles to reversing the trend. Without sufficient skilled personnel, construction capacity and financial resources, an improvement in the situation is hardly realistic.
Causes and effects
The causes of poor water quality are complex. Climate change, pollutant and nutrient inputs as well as the overuse of waters play a central role. Not only are the fish and other aquatic organisms harmed; Anglers and those seeking relaxation also feel the negative effects. The impact is far-reaching: groundwater and drinking water reserves are also at risk.
In addition, the monitoring shows that many important parameters such as migration ability for fish and the structure of the banks are significantly affected by human intervention. Typical water structures are missing, and transverse structures such as weirs severely restrict the habitats of aquatic creatures. The more natural bank sections of the Havel and Müggelspree at least offer hope: a higher level of biodiversity has been found here.
The look ahead
For many water bodies classified as “heavily modified” or “artificial”, there is a short-term objective of achieving good ecological potential rather than good ecological status. The Water Framework Directive provides for the implementation of improvement plans that are to be implemented by 2027 at the latest. However, currently only 37 percent of European waters are in acceptable condition - a number that gives food for thought.
German environmental policy and the various federal states are called upon to develop comprehensive management plans in order to improve this worrying water condition. The challenge is great, but only with targeted measures can a real change be achieved. Will the fish soon be swimming in clear waters again? Time will tell.
For more information on water conditions in the region, please refer to Bunny mail, berlin.de and that Federal Environment Agency.