Thuringia's rivers in distress: low water levels cause alarm!

Thuringia's rivers in distress: low water levels cause alarm!

In Thuringia, the water situation is currently a challenge that affects citizens and authorities alike. Due to persistently low rainfall, many rivers carry little to very little water. According to the current information from thueringen.de There is a pronounced low water situation, which is not unusual at this time of year. Stefan Brune, the head of the Climate Competence Center in the Thuringian State Office for the Environment, Mining and Nature Conservation, reassures the population and emphasizes that there is no reason to worry.

What is particularly noteworthy is that, according to the authority's low water portal, only five water levels - Ulster, Nesse, Saale, Orla and Helbe - do not indicate low water. Another point is that the filling levels of the five main drinking water dams are within the usual range, although they are the lowest in the last five years at this point in time. From November to April, an area average of only 239 millimeters of precipitation fell in Thuringia, which represents a significant deviation from the average rainfall of 325 millimeters in the reference period 1961–1990.

Drought and its effects

Like the analysis of environment.thueringen.de shows, climate change is a decisive factor that leads to more frequent dry phases and stress in our water balance. The water industry is therefore forced to re-evaluate water management and water availability. With the introduction of the low water portal in 2021, citizens can be informed about water levels, precipitation, soil moisture and the water levels of the dams.

The goal of the low water portal is clear: to promote the efficient use and protection of water. Thuringia is presenting itself as a pioneer, as a nationwide low-water strategy was launched in May 2022. This strategy includes improved forecasting, problem solving and the creation of water balances by the Thuringian State Office for the Environment, Mining and Nature Conservation. In addition, climate stress tests with water suppliers and long-distance water supplies are being planned to test the supply systems during several dry summers.

Long-term measures and adjustments

Long-term adaptation strategies are needed to meet current and future challenges. Experts emphasize that national differences in the impact of climate change on water balances must be taken into account. While increased drought is expected in northeastern Germany, research also shows that water levels in many lakes in Brandenburg could fall, as in oekom.de is presented.

Improving water retention in dams and examining unused dams, such as small storage facilities, are also on the agenda, as are natural rivers that are more resilient to climate changes. At the same time, the focus is on climate-adapted agriculture, with the aim of selecting crops that require less water.

The situation in Thuringia is a clear indication that sustainable solutions and prudent water management are essential to ensure water availability even in dry times.