Potsdam imposes a strict ban on water withdrawal - drought is spreading!

Potsdam imposes a strict ban on water withdrawal - drought is spreading!

Today, July 15, 2025, the city of Potsdam issued a strict ban on the withdrawal of water from all lakes and rivers for irrigation purposes. This ban is valid until October 10, 2025 and aims to protect critically endangered water resources. Only the gardens of the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation (SPSG) and public green spaces can be exempt from this ban, although water abstraction is only permitted there between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. The Daily Mirror reports that the extreme drought in recent years, which has occurred annually since 2018, is forcing those responsible to take these measures.

The background to this decision is also alarming. While Brandenburg is one of the driest regions in Germany, current statistics from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) show that the first six months of 2023 were the driest since weather records began more than 130 years ago. At the gauges of the Havel near Ketzin and the Nuthe near Babelsberg, a water flow rate that reached the warning level was recorded - 12 and 1.8 cubic meters per second, respectively. This situation endangers the ecological functionality of the water bodies, emphasizes the city administration.

Consequences of the drought

The effects of the drought are already being felt. High temperatures, little precipitation and the associated low water levels endanger the flora and fauna in and around the waters. This year, numerous regions in Brandenburg are struggling with water problems and lower groundwater levels. The Potsdam-Mittelmark district has also issued a general decree banning the withdrawal of water from rivers, lakes, canals and ponds until September 30th in order to stabilize the fallen water levels. Watering green areas there is only permitted after 8 p.m.

But the regulations do not stop at the borders of Potsdam. Water withdrawal is now also regulated in other parts of Brandenburg. More and more administrations are responding to the worrying drought and the associated ecological dangers. RBB24 reports that, for example, there are no restrictions on private garden areas that are watered with a watering can, which creates at least a little leeway for hobby gardeners.

A look ahead to the coming months

The situation remains tense. Although agricultural businesses are allowed to apply for exemptions, these restrictions could become a challenge for many private users. The current drought shows that climate change is real and poses new challenges for society. Potential changes in the water balance and nationalized monitoring of water extraction will be more important than ever in the coming months. It remains to be seen how the weather situation will develop and what further measures will be necessary to protect water resources in Brandenburg.