Potsdam issues a ban on water abstraction: drought threatens nature!

Potsdam issues a ban on water abstraction: drought threatens nature!

The situation in Brandenburg remains tense: like that Berlin newspaper reports, the city of Potsdam has banned the withdrawal of water from lakes, rivers and ditches from July 15th of this year. This ban, which initially applies until October 10, 2025, does not come as a surprise, as the region is suffering from extreme drought and low water levels, which have not been sufficiently relieved even by past rainfall.

Various districts in Brandenburg have already preferred to impose similar restrictions in recent weeks. Affected regions include Brandenburg an der Havel and Havelland. These developments follow an exceptionally dry first half of 2025, in which rainfall was significantly below the long-term average. July began with surprisingly high temperatures, which even reached 39 degrees, which further exacerbated the situation.

Short water deadlines and high fines

The ban applies far-reaching and provides for high fines of up to 50,000 euros for violations of water extraction. Residents who previously drew tap water from lakes and rivers to water their gardens now have to look for new solutions. As well as RBB24 As described, the drinking water supply is still on a stable footing, but responsible use of the element water is more urgent than ever.

A very critical picture emerges not only in Potsdam, but also in the whole of Brandenburg. In the first six months of the year, only one of the lowest amounts of precipitation fell at the capital's measuring stations since weather records began in 1893. June 2025 recorded just 38 liters of precipitation per square meter, making the region one of the driest in Germany. Many rivers have significantly too little water, which not only harms the flora but also the fauna.

further course uncertain

The responsibility now lies not only with the authorities, who are introducing stricter controls on water extraction, but also with the citizens themselves Märkische Allgemeine emphasizes, the long-term prognosis is anything but rosy. It is expected that the low water situation can only ease if long-term rainfall gives the groundwater level a boost. The weather models indicate a cooling down, but unfortunately no widespread rain.

It remains to be hoped that the summer will not lead to a continuation of the extreme weather conditions and that Brandenburg's waters will soon be able to breathe a sigh of relief again. Until then, every individual is required to use precious water resources responsibly.