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Low water on the Elbe: White Fleet changes timetable!
Low water on the Elbe affects shipping in the Altmarkkreis Salzwedel. Excursion trips will be restricted from June 24, 2025.
Low water on the Elbe: White Fleet changes timetable!
The water level of the Elbe in Magdeburg is currently only 68 centimeters, which has a significant impact on shipping. How MDR reported that the White Fleet's schedule was adjusted due to low water. From Wednesday, excursions will no longer be possible on the Petriförder in the city center. Instead, replacement trips will be offered from the boat lift. Interestingly, the average low water level in recent years is 72 cm, the lowest water level was recorded in 2018 at 46 cm.
So what does that mean specifically? The ongoing drought is leading to low water levels in many rivers and lakes, not just in Saxony-Anhalt. The taz reports that a special measurement program to examine water quality on the Elbe will begin this week. The background: Low water levels and low oxygen levels can pose a danger to fish and other creatures, which is why a precise analysis of the situation is important.
Low water levels at a glance
The water level values on the Elbe waterway produce the following interesting figures:
| parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Highest shipping water level (HSW) | 550 cm (valid from November 5, 2002) |
| Lowest known water level (NNW) | 46cm (08/27/2018) |
| Mean Lowest Value (MNW) | 72 cm (11/01/2010 – 10/31/2020) |
| Average water levels (MW) | 157 cm (11/01/2010 – 10/31/2020) |
| Mean Highest Value (MHW) | 409 cm (11/01/2010 – 10/31/2020) |
| Highest known water level (HHW) | 747 cm (09.06.2013) |
In addition to the changes in the White Fleet schedule, there are also problems in other regions. For example, the Elbe ferry “Amt Neuhaus” has to stop operating, and there are fears of detours for commuters and day trippers due to a sandbank in the Elbe near Bleckede, as the taz reports.
The situation may not ease any time soon. Loud ELWIS Experience shows that the water level in Magdeburg will not rise significantly in the coming days. Surveys and measurements show that the influence of the dry years from 2018 to 2020 and 2022 is still massive. This means that rainfed areas and deeper soil reservoirs continue to need support. A challenge that must be overcome in order to protect both nature and shipping.