Extreme heat in Germany: water rationing affect millions!

Extreme heat in Germany: water rationing affect millions!

The hot summer sun is burning in Germany, while Europe is fighting extreme heat in early July 2025. The warnings of the German Weather Service (DWD) are particularly noticeable in Hesse and Frankfurt. "It is time that something is finally done," says a concerned resident. The Greens and the left require a statutory heat -free, while the CDU and CSU reserve offensive and sparked a debate for sharper measures.

IG Bau also has a matter of concern: it demands a paid break of 15 minutes per hour for workers on construction sites to mitigate the extreme heat somewhat. But while the discussions in Berlin are conducted, the heat already affects the life of the citizens. The water must be used more efficiently.

water shortage and rationing

A big topic is the water shortage. In several counties, including parts of Baden-Württemberg, strict water rationing already applies. Around 40 German counties have decided to regulate water withdrawal. In affected areas, citizens may only pump their water with permission. The situation in the Hersfeld-Rotenburg district in Hesse is particularly drastic, where the withdrawal of water from surface waters is prohibited.

The EU is currently discussing legally binding rules for water rationing. "We have to protect our water," emphasizes EU environmental commissioner Jessika Roswall and thus addresses increasing awareness of problem for water consumption that is necessary in many European countries. Henk Ovink, executive director of the Global Commission on the Economics of Water, is concerned about the effects of water shortages on the health of people.

The drought and its extensive consequences

Little precipitation in April and May has led to a lack of water in many regions of Europe that goes far beyond agriculture. For example, we look at the Rhine: This important trade route can only be used to a limited extent, which significantly affects the transport industry. In Cyprus and other parts of southern Europe, the reservoirs are empty and the harvest is at risk. The drought can have both agricultural and hydrological effects.

Scientific studies show that the drought conditions are increasing worldwide. Extreme drought situations are no longer just individual cases, but have developed into a global problem that presents nature and society with great challenges. The effects are diverse - droughts can also result in flooding if long drought is interrupted by heavy rainfall.

In order to counteract these challenges, it is essential for many European countries to develop clear strategies for water use and reuse. The project of the Federal Environment Agency, which deals with the analysis of water availability in Germany, could play an important role here. As part of the project "Effects of climate change on water availability", solutions are developed in order to prevent possible usage conflicts.

This means that it should be noted: the heat is not only a temporary phenomenon, but also makes us think of the need for a responsible water use and the challenges of climate change. Each of us is required to make their contribution - be it due to more conscious water consumption when watering gardens or when it comes to car washing. It is up to us to protect the resources and act sustainably.

fru reports about the current heat development and water rationing , Environmental Bundesamt.de provides insights into research on water availability .