District of Potsdam-Mittelmark: Natural ban for gardens until September!

District of Potsdam-Mittelmark: Natural ban for gardens until September!

Potsdam-Mittelmark, Deutschland - This summer the situation around the water withdrawal in the Potsdam-Mittelmark district is explosive. The district has issued a general order that came into force from June 30, 2023 and is valid until September 30th. This regulation prohibits the removal of water from surface waters for irrigation purposes and severely limits the use of groundwater. This applies in particular to the irrigation of green and garden areas in private households, which is prohibited between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. The use of pumping devices for water withdrawal from rivers and lakes is no longer allowed in order to protect the water resources sustainably and to avoid overuse, as beelitz.de.

The measures imposed are the result of increasing reviews of the water withdrawal in the district. With the general order, the administration reacts to growing concerns about the water balance and the associated ecological consequences. The shortage of water is becoming increasingly clear, especially against the background of climate change. According to Werderanderhavel.de, the effects of climate change can also be felt in urban areas: high rainfall lead to flooding, while water supply is affected by dry periods.

challenges from climate change

The climate changes are a serious threat to water quality. Heavy rain leads to drainage problems in the cities, while dry phases additionally load the groundwater. The sealing of surfaces - be it through buildings, asphalt or concrete - reinforces this problem, because rainwater cannot penetrate the ground as usual. Instead, it is often derived from mixed sewers that are not designed for sudden amounts of water. As a result, unprocessed wastewater gets into the waters, which not only damages ecosystems, but can also endanger people if they use water. So emphasizes BUND.NET that the falling water quality can lead to bathing bans, especially due to cyanobacteria and increased germ numbers.

The need for more green areas to support the water balance is therefore more topical than ever. These can help keep rainwater better and the evaporation of water from gardens and parks can also help to cool down cities. It becomes clear that the community must have a good hand here in order to reconcile both the water supply and environmental protection.

The current measures in the Potsdam-Mittelmark district are an important step in this direction to ensure resources for future generations and to actively counter the challenges of climate change. The responsibility lies not only with the authorities, but also among the citizens: inside, who can contribute to the protection of drinking water and nature through their actions.