Ecological disaster: Spree and Havel in alarm state!

Ecological disaster: Spree and Havel in alarm state!

The water in Berlin and Brandenburg is known for its high 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 Spree and Havel, can no longer be talked about. According to a current report by Hasepost, the condition of the waters is anything but good. At no measuring point in the region was the required goal of a "good ecological state" in 2024, which the EU's water framework directive from 2000 prescribes. The accounting values of water quality are on red or orange - a clear signal!

State Secretary for Climate Protection and Environment in Berlin, Britta Behrendt, is skeptical about the timely implementation of the guideline until 2027. Jean Henker, head of unit in the Potsdam Ministry of the Environment, also speaks of massive obstacles for a trend reversal. Without sufficient specialist staff, construction capacities and financial resources, an improvement in the situation is hardly realistic.

causes and effects

The causes of poor water quality are complex. Climate change, malicious and nutrient entries as well as the overuse of the waters play a central role. Not only are the fish and other water organisms to be harmed; Anglers and those looking for relaxation also feel the negative effects. The impact is far-reaching: the groundwater and drinking water reserves are also at risk.

In addition, the monitoring shows that many important parameters such as the hiking for fish and the structure of the bank are significantly impaired by human interventions. Typed water structures are lacking, and cross structures such as weirs are severely restricted the habitats of the aquatic living beings. After all, the natural bank sections of the Havel and Müggelspree offer hope: a higher biodiversity could be determined here.

the look ahead

For many waters that are classified as "significantly changed" or "artificially" classified, there is a short point of view to achieve good ecological potential instead of a good ecological state. The water framework guideline provides for the implementation of improvement plans, which are to be realized by 2027 at the latest. However, only 37 percent of European waters are in an acceptable condition - a number that stimulates thinking.

German environmental policy and the various federal states are required to work out comprehensive management plans in order to improve this worrying state of the waters. The challenge is great, but a real turn can only be brought about with targeted measures. Will the fish soon swim in clear waters? Time will show it.

For further information on the water conditions in the region, we refer to Hasepost , berlin.de and the Environmental Federal Office .