Crisis alarm in the Harz: water withdrawal drastically restricted due to drought!

Crisis alarm in the Harz: water withdrawal drastically restricted due to drought!

In the Harz district, water extraction from surface water and groundwater is strictly restricted. The reason for this measure is the persistent periods of drought, which caused alarming water levels in the region in the first half of 2025. As the FAZ reported, the groundwater levels in the district are below the multi-year average values. Water bodies such as the Warme and Kalte Bode, the Selke, Holtemme and Goldbach, which have been severely affected due to the low rainfall in recent months, are particularly affected.

To counteract this, the Harz district has issued a general decree that will come into force on July 1, 2025 and is valid until September 30, 2025. This decree, which loudly Harz district is also subject to revocation, completely prohibits the withdrawal of water from surface water. There are also restrictions on the extraction of groundwater for irrigation purposes. The use of technical aids to withdraw water is also prohibited with immediate effect.

The situation on site

The low water levels, especially in the Harz foothills, are already noticeable. On June 30, 2025, 15 of 21 gauges recorded levels below the mean low flow (MNQ). Only a few gauges in the Upper Harz and below the Zillierbach and Rappbode dams were still able to show a slight overflow to the MNQ. These persistent low water levels endanger not only aquatic life, but also the plants that thrive on the banks.

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 viewed with concern by many affected agricultural businesses. Compliance with the new regulations will be rigorously monitored and violations can be punished with fines of up to 50,000 euros.

Looking at climate change

These developments are directly related to the long-lasting effects of climate change, as also described in the WADKlim project. This examines this Federal Environment Agency the effects of drought and drought on water availability in Germany. The aim is to better understand future water use conflicts and develop appropriate solution strategies. Finally, we are at a time when climate change is challenging both water resources and ecological principles.

It remains to be seen how the tropical summer months will be able to deal with these challenges in the coming years and what long-term measures will be necessary to sustainably secure water availability in Germany.