Chemnitz pulls the ripcord: water withdrawal is now prohibited!

Chemnitz pulls the ripcord: water withdrawal is now prohibited!

From July 18, 2023, it will be serious in Chemnitz: The city has given a comprehensive ban on withdrawing water from above -ground waters. Breaks and rivers are affected, including the Chemnitz, Kappelbach and the Pleißenbach. The reason for this drastic decision? A permanently low water level that currently only measures 27 centimeters on Müllerstrasse. This prohibition applies until October 31, 2025 and comes into force with the publication in the Official Journal, such as Radiochemnitz.de

The ban concerns everyone who wants to remove water from these waters - from garden owners to farmers. It doesn't matter whether you do this out of necessity or habit. The water levels in almost all waters of the city have now fallen under the ecologically necessary minimum outflow. Too little precipitation and high temperatures lead to increased evaporation, which is why even local thunderstorms do not bring any significant relief.

critical location and possible consequences

The city thus imposes a regulation that also endangers the self -cleaning power of the waters. Small water withdrawals can lead to falling oxygen values, which has dramatic effects on small life and fish. Violations against this provision could also be punished with fines of up to 50,000 euros, emphasizes TAG24.de .

The situation is not only tense in Chemnitz. Water removal bans can also be observed in other regions of Germany. Several counties, including Cottbus, took similar measures in Brandenburg. Saxony-Anhalt and North Rhine-Westphalia also rely on precautions, while Baden-Württemberg reacts with comparable prohibitions. These developments are a direct consequence of the ongoing drought period and the intensified climate crisis, which according to the world climate lead to more common and serious droughts.

a call to more responsibility

It is obvious that all citizens: inside in Chemnitz and beyond are required to maintain a responsible handling of water. The Dürre Monitor of the Helmholtz Center proves that the drought in eastern Germany increases. The lack of rain and rising temperatures also increase the problem. Especially in times like this, it is more important than ever that everyone is deliberately dealing with our water resources.
Tagesspiegel.de In particular, the water requirements through new industries, such as data centers, could continue to increase.

Questions about this regulation, the lower water authority at the environmental agency on 0371 488-3651 or via email to environmental office.wasser@stadt-chemnitz.de. It remains to be hoped that these measures are not only a temporary solution, but also contribute to a positive development of the water levels in the region in the long term.