General order: Water removal from the Spree from 19 June banned!

General order: Water removal from the Spree from 19 June banned!

Spree-Neiße, Deutschland - The situation on the Spree worsens! From June 19, 2025, residents and owners in the affected areas of the Spree-Neiße district must observe an important measure. The district issues a general order that concerns the water withdrawal from the Spree. In view of the ongoing decline in the water level, especially at the Leibsch level, this is a necessary reaction to the continuing dryness and the increasing temperatures, which result in few rainfall. Niederlausitz Aktuell reports that no water withdrawal by means of pumping devices during the day is permitted, unless there is a corresponding water law permit.

The affected cities and municipalities include Spremberg, Drebkau, Kolkwitz, Neuhausen/Spree, Wiesengrund, Felixsee and all municipalities of the Peitz and Burg offices (Spreewald). This regulation remains up to the revocation and is also published in the Official Journal and on the district's website.

background and measures

But what is behind this drastic decision? Experts emphasize that the combination of excellent weather and too little rainfall has strongly influenced the water level in the Spree. According to a report by [Radio Lausitz] (https://www.radiolausitz.de/biebtrag/zu-wen-wasser-land-spree-neisse-erlaesst-allgemeinde- 869907/), this dryness already led to a low water that triggers concern for residents. In order to counteract this, the first measures have already been taken. This includes increasing the water taxes from Saxon storage and the Spremberg dam and reducing the expiration from the Spree itself.

The main objective of this general order is the preservation of water ecological functions. This is necessary to protect the regional water resources. Because without these restrictions, the condition of the flora and fauna in the waters could continue to deteriorate, as can already be observed. This aspect is often discussed by the authorities who indicate the need to develop suitable adaptation strategies.

climate change and its effects

Another important factor that should not be neglected is the climate change that constantly changes the environmental conditions in the waters. As experts from the State Institute for the Environment Bavaria can decrease, while heat-loving species can be favored and spread. These changes not only have an impact on biodiversity, but also on the quality of the water itself. The increase in aquatic plants and the threat of neobiota are also a challenge.

parts of fish suffer particularly from the increasing temperatures that can lead to stress and increase their susceptibility to diseases. You should also not forget the human influences, such as water withdrawals and introductions from sewage treatment plants, that also burden the waters. The communities in these waters may face a fundamental change that will not only affect the nature of the nature, but also on the living conditions of the residents.