Low water on the Elbe: White fleet changes timetable!

Low water on the Elbe: White fleet changes timetable!

Magdeburg, Deutschland - The water level of the Elbe in Magdeburg is currently only 68 centimeters, which has a significant impact on shipping. As mdr , the white fleet was adjusted due to the low water. From Wednesday, excursions will no longer be possible at the Petriförder in the city center. Instead, replacement trips are 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 with 46 cm.

What does that mean specifically? The persistent drought leads to low water levels in many rivers and lakes, not only in Saxony-Anhalt. The taz this week reports that a special measurement program for examining the water quality at the Elbe this week begins. The background: low water levels and a low oxygen content can be a danger to fish and other living things, which is why a precise analysis of the Situation is important.

low water levels at a glance

The level values ​​on the Wasserstrasse Elbe result in the following interesting figures:

In addition to the changes in the timetable of the white fleet, there are also problems in other regions. For example, the Elbe ferry "Amt Neuhaus" has to hire its operation, and there are detours for commuters and day trippers because of a sandbar in the Elbe near Bleckede, as the taz reports.

The situation couldn't relax so quickly. According to Elwis , the water level in Magdeburg will not increase 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 the rain areas and deeper floor stores continue to need support. A challenge that needs to be mastered to protect both nature and shipping.