Ban on water abstraction in the Spree-Neisse: drought forces action!

Ban on water abstraction in the Spree-Neisse: drought forces action!

In the Spree-Neiße district, the water level has fallen critically and the authorities have reacted: From now on, there is a year-round ban on abstracting water from the Spree and its tributaries. This measure not only affects the city of Spremberg, but also Drebkau, Kolkwitz, Neuhausen/Spree and the Peitz and Burg authorities. How Niederlausitz Current reports, the ban is a direct response to the ongoing drought and high temperatures, which have further exacerbated low water levels since June 19.

The general decree, which now regulates the ban on water withdrawal, prohibits the withdrawal of water using pumping devices without the appropriate water permit. These strict measures are necessary to prevent deterioration in water quality and a further decline in water supply. The water charges from Saxon reservoirs and the Spremberg dam have already been increased, but a further increase is currently not possible. The restrictions apply until revoked and can be viewed online.

Water abstraction bans in the region

But the situation is not only tense in the Spree-Neiße district. Similar water withdrawal bans have been issued in several districts in southern Brandenburg, including Dahme-Spreewald, Oberspreewald-Lausitz and Elbe-Elster, which have been in force since June 20. In these regions, the situation is no less worrying - here too, the authorities are complaining about low water levels, which are already classified as historically low. Loud rbb24 Water withdrawal bans could even become the new normal if weather conditions do not change soon.

In a further step, the city of Cottbus is also planning to issue a ban on water abstraction next week, as the rainfall in recent years has not been sufficient to ensure a stable water supply for the summer. A better design of rainwater management could help here, as various hydrologists suggest.

The causes of drought

The reasons for this gloomy water situation are varied. Scientists point out that there has been an annual deficit in precipitation since 2018. This situation has worsened this year and the soil is extremely dry. In fact, the winter rains have not been sufficient to maintain the region's water balance, which is now leading to the drastic measures that affect many residents.

In this context, it is crucial that water use in the region is also carefully monitored. Taking water with pumps is therefore completely prohibited, while skimming with a watering can remains permitted in moderation. This is the only way to protect water supplies until the situation stabilizes again. The regional authorities appeal to citizens' common sense and ask everyone to understand the difficult situation, which will probably last for a long time.

For anyone who is interested in the specific applicable regulations and further procedures, the information available is available online and can be viewed at any time - an important step in times when our region's water balance is being sustainably influenced.

For more detailed information on current government regulations, please visit Daily Mirror as well as our other sources.