Water shortage in the Harz: District calls for economy!
Water shortage in the Harz: District calls for economy!
In the Harz district, in view of the currently prevailing drought, it is urgently called for the economical use of water. The surface waters already have low water levels, so that the groundwater is also increasingly in sight. Denny Sander, a representative of the Lower Water Authority, informs that the authority is currently examining whether a disposal is necessary to restrict water withdrawal. Last year there were already similar restrictions than a removal ban was issued in the summer of 2022. From June 23, 2025, water withdrawal will be regulated in the Altmarkkreis Salzwedel, so that in the day between 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., water from fountains may only be used in exceptional cases to irrigate public and private green spaces and sports facilities. This shows that sustainable water management is more urgent than ever in the region, because the shortage of water is not a local problem.
water shortage in Germany
According to current studies, 201 of 401 counties and independent cities in Germany are affected by groundwater stress. This means that more than 20% of the groundwater newly formed annually is taken in these regions. In recent years, 94 counties have also recorded significantly reduced groundwater levels. These findings come from the Frankfurt Institute for Social-Ecological Research (ISOE) on behalf of the Federal Environment and Nature Conservation (BUND). East Germany, Hesse and parts of Lower Saxony are particularly affected, while over 50% of the groundwater used in Germany are required for drinking water supply, which means that water is often transported to larger cities over hundreds of kilometers.The role of agriculture, mining and industry in the absorption of groundwater should not be underestimated. The lignite mining in particular lowers the groundwater levels by pumping water. The intensively managed agricultural regions, such as the Heidekreis, also have falling water levels due to the irrigation practices. Climate change also contributes to the shortage of water, which is particularly noticeable in the heat-planned federal states of Brandenburg and Saxony-Anhalt.
regulatory needs and recommendations for action
The federal government demands that the federal government are urgently implemented. This includes suggestions such as the promotion of water -saving technologies in agriculture as well as better information on water use in the household. These steps would also be part of a more comprehensive strategy that is developed as part of projects such as Wadklim. Here solutions and recommendations for action are formulated for sustainable water management. Future water shortages could prove to be a complex problem and is difficult to predict. Experts emphasize the need to make water management decisions more on the natural ecosystems in order to supply all user groups fairly and to ensure a fair distribution of the water.
In view of these challenges, it is not only about the short -term use of the water, but also about long -term security for future generations. The responsibility for each individual, efficient irrigation systems and use water with carefully to meet future needs. In fact, we have an important phase in which the awareness of water consumption must be sharpened even further.For more information, the reports on the pages of n-tv , ZDF and Environmental Federal
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| Ort | Landkreis Harz, Sachsen-Anhalt, Deutschland |
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