Water crisis in Brandenburg: Red Bull meets citizen protest!

Water crisis in Brandenburg: Red Bull meets citizen protest!

In Brandenburg, the takeover of the beverage bottler Urstromquelle by the Austrian companies Red Bull and Rauch is causing a stir. While the state government celebrates the deal as a success, there is resistance among the population. Citizens' initiatives are vehemently committed to protecting water resources and demanding: "Our water belongs to us - stop Red Bull in Brandenburg." This is reported by the Uckermark courier.

The protest groups are already considering legal action against the planned expansion of beverage production, which is linked to the construction of a new canning plant. Mayor Peter Ilk still speaks of a “job engine” for the region and emphasizes the creation of up to 600 jobs. There are currently 240 employees working at the plant, and the number is expected to increase until construction begins in mid-2026.

Focus on water consumption and use

The feared water shortage is at the heart of the resistance. The companies plan to withdraw 7,000 cubic meters of water per day, of which up to 6,500 cubic meters will be used for production - the population would only receive 500 cubic meters. The “Baruth Resource Alliance” initiative has already collected over 25,000 signatures and is calling for a new hydrological report for the region. According to the initiative, access to water is crucial not only for local people, but also for the sustainable development of the region. The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development highlights that global water scarcity is a problem that includes both climate change and increasing needs in various sectors.

In addition, a private individual has filed a lawsuit with the Potsdam Administrative Court to obtain information about the amount of water and its price. Mayor Ilk makes it clear that the population's water supply has priority and that the existing contracts are stable, but skepticism among the population remains.

Environmental protection and use of raw materials

Construction of the planned canning plant will require the clearing of 17 hectares of pine forest, further increasing concerns among environmentalists. According to the citizens' initiative, Red Bull could use up to 2.4 million cubic meters of water annually, while other companies such as Tesla in Grünheide are contractually limited to 1.8 million cubic meters. The balance between industrial expansion and the protection of natural resources is becoming increasingly critical.

Further developments remain to be seen. Red Bull's planned hundreds of millions of euros in investments could significantly improve the local economic situation, but continued resistance suggests that concerns about water resources and the environment will remain at the forefront. It is clear in the community: There is something going on and the discussion about the correct use and protection of resources is far from over.