Water removal ban in Saxony-Anhalt: Dryness endangers region!

Water removal ban in Saxony-Anhalt: Dryness endangers region!

The tense water situation in Saxony-Anhalt will be further tightened by various water withdrawal bans in the coming weeks. On June 20, 2025, the Altmarkkreis Salzwedel in particular was the first district to issue such a ban. From June 23 between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., no more water withdrawals from rivers, ponds and lakes may be carried out there, and the use of fountain water for irrigation of gardens and sports facilities is also prohibited. These measures are necessary to cope with the continuing drought in the region, which many farmers and garden owners burdened, such as MDR.

In addition, the Harz district also gives the residents the advice of saving water and introducing special water -saving measures. Pools can only be filled once a season, and irrigation should take place efficiently and in the early morning or evening hours. This region is also one of the areas affected by the drought mostly with continuously falling water levels since the beginning of the year. District Administrator Steve Kanitz from the Altmarkkreis emphasizes above all the importance of stabilizing the groundwater level in order to solve the ongoing problems in the long term.

further measures in planning

The district of Stendal also plans to ban water from junctions from breaths and rivers and, according to [Radio Brocken] (https://www.radiobrocken.de/service/wasserent-verbote-verbote-In-sommer-gilt-in-den--anhalt- ID1388950.html) During the day, no more groundwater for garden irrigation. A general order could also be issued here, which massively restricts the water withdrawal. The need for discussion with farmers for the economical use of groundwater is high.

The drought that started early February 2025 also has serious consequences for agriculture. While grain types show fewer diseases, the farmers' association reports dry damage that led to a new sowing of 20 percent of the rapeseed construction areas. So far, vegetable types such as sugar beet, corn and potatoes have been less affected. However, there is agreement on the increasing water requirements and the challenges that the current conditions bring.

focal point forest fire risk

Another topic that worries citizens is the increasing risk of forest fire. From June 21, the Harz narrow -gauge railways will stop using steam locomotives on the Brocken, which is a direct episode of the forest fire warning level 4 called in the Harz district. This is likely to have a significant impact on tourist activities in the region, especially in the popular holiday season. Due to the increasing temperatures and the low precipitation in spring, concern is also in other counties such as Mansfeld-Südharz and Börde, where water withdrawal bans were also adopted.

Overall, developments in Saxony-Anhalt show the need that both the population and agriculture have to deal responsibly with the valuable resource of water. A general overhaul of water laws that strive for long -term solutions is discussed. Only through sustainable use can the water supply in the region be secured, as different local media capture. Violations of the water withdrawal bans can be punished as administrative offenses, with fines of up to 50,000 euros.