Crisis alarm in the Harz: Water removal due to drought drastically restricted!

Crisis alarm in the Harz: Water removal due to drought drastically restricted!

In the Harz district, water withdrawal from surface waters and groundwater is strictly restricted. The reason for this measure is the persistent dryness periods, which caused alarming water levels in the region in the first half of 2025. As the FAZ , the groundwater level in the district are below the multi-year mean. In particular, waters such as the warm and cold bode, the Selke, Holtemme and Goldbach, which have been affected by the low rainfall in recent months are affected.

In order to counteract this, the Harz district has issued a general order that comes into force on July 1, 2025 and is valid until September 30, 2025. This order, which according to Kreis Harz Even with reservation of the revocation, the water withdrawal from surface water is completely prohibited. Restrictions are also provided for withdrawal from groundwater for irrigation purposes. The use of technical aids for water extraction is also prohibited with immediate effect.

The situation on site

The low levels, especially in the Harz foothills, are already noticeable. On June 30, 2025, 15 of 21 levels recorded a stand below the middle low water drainage (MNQ). Only a few levels in the Oberharz and below the Zillierbach and Rappbode dam were able to have a narrow abundance of the MNQ. These persistent low water levels not only endanger aquatic life, but also the plants that thrive on the shores.

A particularly critical aspect is the increased water requirement that arises due to the warm and dry summer months with high evaporation rates. The limited irrigation options are therefore considered concerned by many affected agricultural companies. Compliance with the new regulations is monitored rigorously, and violations can be punished with fines of up to 50,000 euros.

look at climate change

These developments are directly related to the long -lasting effects of climate change, as described in the Wadklim project. The Environmental Federal Agency The effects of dryness and drought on water availability in Germany. The aim is to better understand future water usage conflicts and to develop corresponding solution strategies. After all, we are at a time when climate change challenges both the water resources and the ecological principles.

It remains to be seen how the tropical summer months can deal with these challenges in the coming years and which long -term measures are necessary to ensure water availability in Germany.