Water Protection Act in MV: Fees increase - what does that mean for you?

Water Protection Act in MV: Fees increase - what does that mean for you?

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Deutschland - In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, significant changes in the Water Act are in the house. The reason for this is the progressive climate change and the challenging water shortage. The state plans to reform the state water law, which will have a fundamental effect on water use, water protection and coastal protection. According to [n-tv] (https://www.n-tv.de/regionales/Mecklenburg-Vorpommern/neues-wassergesetz-stauchert-gewische-gehren-Angen-article25905436.html), the withdrawal water for drinking water is increased from currently 10 to 20 cents per cubic meter. This adjustment is intended to significantly increase the income of the country, from 11 million to around 21 million euros annually. The additional funds are planned for projects that promote water protection.

The law presented by Agricultural and Environment Minister Till Backhaus (SPD) on June 25, 2025 also stipulates that agricultural businesses will also have to pay for the withdrawal of water in the future. 2 cents per cubic meter of surface water and 6 cents are due for groundwater. However, exceptions apply to certain irrigation methods, such as the effective drop in dripping in obstacles. This is an important step, since less than 2% of the agricultural area in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania are currently irrigated.

extended protective measures required

The measures aimed at by the state government, however, meet resistance. Critics from the state parliament, including the CDU, the AfD and the FDP, express concerns about the additional costs for agricultural companies and households. The Greens, on the other hand, demand more extensive approaches, especially with regard to moor protection and the backing of water. This is essential for a strategy that reacts better to the challenges of climate change. After all, long dry phases and heavy rain events have long since become a reality that put both nature and farmers under pressure.

Another point on the agenda of the draft law includes the introduction of a five -meter -wide protective strip around arable land on water, in which no fertilization is permitted. This step aims to reduce the stress of the water by nutrients and pesticides, as described in the report of the [eua] (https://www.eea.europa.eu/de/highlights/mutchezung-ueber usage-und-klimawandel-drohen). Agriculture causes the greatest strain on surface and groundwater in Europe.

look into the future

The new regulations should help Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania meet the requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive, according to which all waters must be in good condition by 2027. However, it currently looks like the country will miss this goal. It is all the more urgent to improve water supply through reduced use and higher efficiency.

Predicting pressure on the water resource, combined with the challenges of climate change, makes it clear that the measures are not only necessary, but also overdue. The state parliament is expected to discuss the bill before the summer break, which is due to come into force at the end of 2025 at the earliest. With a clear focus on water protection and the sustainable handling of water, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania could take on a pioneering role in environmental protection that radiates far beyond the national borders.