Price increase for water in MV: New law protects waters and coasts!

Price increase for water in MV: New law protects waters and coasts!

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is facing a fundamental change in water and coastal protection policy. Like that NDR reports, the cabinet has passed a new state water and coastal protection law, which is to be debated in the state parliament before the upcoming summer break. This law represents a response to climate change, which is reflected in higher temperatures and more frequent heavy rain events. The concern is clear: water as a valuable resource will become even more important in the future.

For households, this means an increase in the price of drinking water. A family of four will soon have to expect additional costs of around 15 euros per year. The price per liter of drinking water increases by almost one cent, which is primarily intended to illustrate the value of water among the population. At the same time, farmers are being asked to pay: They will have to pay for water extraction in the future - 2 cents per cubic meter from surface water such as streams and lakes, and even 6 cents per cubic meter from groundwater. These measures are intended not only to increase revenue, but also to create an incentive for water-saving irrigation methods.

Protection measures for waterways and coasts

Particular attention is paid to protecting water bodies. Five meter wide protective strips around arable land near bodies of water may not be fertilized. The expected annual additional income of around 11 million euros is to be invested in protection projects, such as groundwater protection and the renewal of measuring points. Given rising sea levels and extremely strong storms, new coastal defenses are essential. The increasing forest dieback and the drought situation that many farmers are suffering from make this development even more urgent.

The EU Water Framework Directive stipulates that all bodies of water must be in good condition by 2027. However, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania will probably miss this goal. According to the EU Water is essential for people, animals, plants and the economy. The protection and management of water bodies is therefore a cross-border task. This is supported by numerous European guidelines that are intended to ensure sustainable use and ensure the quality of drinking and bathing water.

International strategies and challenges

The challenges posed by climate change should not be underestimated. According to that WWF The effective protection of wetlands is crucial to avoid flood events and a lack of clean drinking water. Wetlands are among the most threatened ecosystems; many were drained in the 20th century. International cooperation, for example through conventions such as the Ramsar Convention, promotes the protection of these important habitats.

Overall, it is clear that water policy in Germany and beyond must be adapted to a constantly changing environment. The new law in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is a significant step in the right direction to sustainably secure the water supply and meet future challenges. The coming months will show how members of the state parliament implement the draft law and what further measures will follow.