Water Protection Act in MV: Fees are rising – what does that mean for you?

Water Protection Act in MV: Fees are rising – what does that mean for you?

Significant changes to the water law are imminent in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The reason for this is the advancing climate change and the challenging water shortage. The state plans to reform the state water law, which will have fundamental effects on water use, water protection and coastal protection. According to n-tv, the extraction fee for drinking water will be increased from the current 10 to 20 cents per cubic meter. This adjustment is intended to significantly increase the country's income, from 11 million to around 21 million euros annually. The additional funds are planned for projects that promote water protection.

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

Extended protective measures required

However, the measures sought by the state government are met with resistance. Critics from the state parliament, including the CDU, the AfD and the FDP, express concerns about the additional costs for agricultural businesses and households. The Greens, on the other hand, are calling for more comprehensive approaches, particularly with regard to moorland protection and water retention. This is essential for a strategy that is more responsive to the challenges of climate change. After all, long dry phases and heavy rain events have long since become a reality, putting both nature and farmers under pressure.

Another item on the bill's agenda includes the introduction of a five-meter-wide protective strip around arable land near bodies of water where fertilization is not permitted. This step aims to reduce the pollution of water by nutrients and pesticides, as described in the [EUA] report. Agriculture causes the greatest burden on surface and groundwater in Europe.

Looking into the future

The new regulations are intended to help Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania meet the requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive, according to which all water bodies must be in good condition by 2027. However, it currently appears that the country will miss this goal. This makes it all the more urgent to improve water supplies through reduced use and greater efficiency.

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