Water is urgently needed: the district office takes action in the event of drought!

Water is urgently needed: the district office takes action in the event of drought!

The ongoing drought has serious consequences in northern Saxony, which are now becoming noticeable in the form of a general decree from the district office. On July 2, 2025, the district office decided that due to falling groundwater levels and low water levels in surface waters, water extraction using pumps must be stopped immediately. This primarily affects owners and residents of surface water. As the Leipzig Internet newspaper reports, this decision is necessary to protect the flora and fauna as well as the natural self-cleaning of the waters.

The current situation is serious and could be further exacerbated by unauthorized storage areas or pump sumps that often appear where water is pumped out. The critical situation is particularly evident in smaller tributaries, as Dr. Eckhard Rexroth, 1st alderman of the district, emphasized. Residents are called upon to use water resources responsibly, especially when watering their gardens. The order is valid until September 30, 2025 or until revoked, and all citizens should be aware of the scope of these measures.

Water withdrawal regulations

But what about watering your home gardens? Here too there are differences about which the RegionalToday informed. While the withdrawal of water from surface water is strictly restricted, garden owners are allowed to water their plants with tap water during the day between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. It is important to know that temporary restrictions or complete bans may apply to water from private wells or natural sources, depending on the respective general order.

The regulations also affect ornamental fountains and fountains, which may only be operated if they are supplied with drinking water. However, a general ban on irrigation during the specified period does not apply to the use of tap water. The time restrictions serve the purpose of minimizing water losses due to high evaporation, a necessary measure that is already being used in numerous districts, including the city of Braunschweig and the district of Goslar.

Strict controls and fines

With these strict measures, the district office shows how serious the situation is. The lower water authority will strictly monitor compliance with the requirements, especially in the summer months. Violations of the general decree can result in severe fines of up to 50,000 euros. A call for mindfulness and responsible use of water resources is therefore more than appropriate in order to protect sensitive nature and preserve an intact environment for future generations.