Water shortage in Saxony-Anhalt: Passion and drought threaten gardens!

Water shortage in Saxony-Anhalt: Passion and drought threaten gardens!

The summer heat in Saxony-Anhalt is clearly noticeable and ensures the first serious measures. Due to persistent drought, some counties have already issued bans for the water withdrawal from fountains, lakes and rivers. This situation affects the Jerichower Land , where in cities such as Burg, Gommern, Genthin, Biederitz and Parey that water was severely restricted. In the Altmarkkreis Salzwedel, too, water withdrawal for irrigation purposes is prohibited during the day.

The weather forecast gives anything good: temperatures above 35 degrees are no longer uncommon. The cities of Dessau-Roßlau and Mansfeld-Südharz have already taken measures to limit the irrigation of gardens, sports fields and public green spaces from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The district of Stendal is also in the process of developing new regulations on water withdrawal and other counties such as Börde and Anhalt-Bitterfeld also think about similar regulations.

crops and viticulture in danger

Not only the urban water supply is affected; Agriculture also suffers significantly from the current drought. report show that farmers and winemakers complain of a serious lack of rain that extends over an unusually long period of time. A year ago, the same circles had expressed understanding of state subsidies. The question arises whether the current management strategies of farms are sufficient to survive a possible drought.

With a view to the coming months, it is crucial that agricultural water management is adapted accordingly. In the future, innovative irrigation methods, such as the use of solar power for watering 3500 m², could be paid more attention. The discussion about the responsibility of the rich percentage - whose lifestyle causes considerable greenhouse gas emissions - also plays a growing role in the climate protection discourse.

A look at the basics of water shortages

The Environmental Office presented solutions for water management in a research project. The results show that the water shortage in Germany is subject to a variety of influencing factors. On the one hand, climatic conditions and seasonal rainfall are decisive, on the other hand, there are problems with water quality, such as through nitrate loads, and the increasing demand for water in metropolitan regions should not be neglected.

In order to avoid future usage conflicts, the project recommends that the project promote water efficiency and to improve the water retention. A stronger cooperation between the different user groups can also help distribute the resource of water more fairly. The need for a legal framework and new infrastructural solutions to use of water re -use is becoming increasingly clear, while taking natural ecosystems into water management considerations is also increasingly being required.

The current situation makes it visible: climate change has long-lasting effects on water availability, and developments in Saxony-Anhalt are just an example of a complex problem that is concerned. It remains to be hoped that the measures and future strategies taken to improve water use will be as successful as necessary.