Water removal ban in Oberspreewald-Lausitz: Dürre meets region!

Water removal ban in Oberspreewald-Lausitz: Dürre meets region!

Spree-Neiße, Deutschland - The persistent drought in the Oberspreewald-Lausitz district has led to a significant restriction of water withdrawal from above-ground waters. From June 20, 2025, a ban on water withdrawal from the Spree and the Black Elster will apply, as reported by the Tagesspiegel. This ban comes into force until revocation and should counteract the falling water levels.

In the future, the removal of water with pumps, for example by electric garden pumps or diving pumps, will be drastically restricted. However, the ability of water with a watering can remains - provided that it happens with measure and consideration. The regulation applies to the Spree between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

The drought situation in Brandenburg

The drought not only affects the district of Oberspreewald-Lausitz. The districts of Dahme-Spreewald and Elbe-Elster have also imposed similar water withdrawal bans, which were introduced to protect the natural water balance. According to a report from Niederlausitz, the current weather situation with warm and dry conditions has negatively affected the flow in rivers in the past few weeks. The Spree is particularly affected, the water levels of which continue to decrease despite the measures that have already been caused.

In the Dahme-Spreewald district, there were already drainage support measures in which water from Saxon dams was called up in order to stabilize the level of the Spree. However, the weather forecast does not give hope for a quick improvement. The State Office for the Environment notes that the water levels and groundwater supplies are not sufficient to compensate for the deficits of the past few years.

The consequences and views

In all affected places, it is clear that the floors are exceptionally dry and the situation remains tense. The general disposal for containing the water withdrawals has already been published in the daily newspapers and official sheets. This is not just a temporary arrangement; If the current low water situation continues, the regulations could be further tightened.

These measures are particularly important in the summer months in which experience has shown that water consumption increases. High penalties of up to 50,000 euros for violations of the water withdrawal bans were also indicated, as mentioned on RBB24. The situation in Brandenburg must be observed carefully and it is to be hoped that rainfall will soon defuse the extremely critical situation.

Those affected in the counties are encouraged to rethink their water consumption and to take into account nature. It is in all of our interest to protect the water resources.