Hamburg Wasser presents a positive annual balance: drinking water consumption is increasing!

Hamburg Wasser presents a positive annual balance: drinking water consumption is increasing!

Presented on June 18, 2025 Hamburg water its annual balance sheet for 2024. A positive result: for the first time since 2020 there was an increase in drinking water sales, which was reflected in a jump in sales to almost 674 million euros. What is particularly pleasing is that around 2.3 million Hamburg residents were supplied with a total of 115.7 million cubic meters of drinking water.

It is also noteworthy that despite a wet year, there were no weather-related influences on sales figures. Particularly noteworthy is the profit, which is 106.2 million euros down 3.3%. However, compared to previous years, business appears to be stable. 37.5 million euros flowed into the city budget from the waterworks, while 67.7 million euros from the wastewater sector went into reserves.

Investments in the future

Hamburg Wasser plans to invest around 1.14 billion euros by 2028 to modernize and expand the supply structure. Of this, 616 million euros are earmarked for water and wastewater networks, while 522 million euros are to flow into the maintenance of the systems. A pioneering project is the new Vera II sewage sludge incineration plant, whose costs have increased from the original 196 million euros to 297.2 million euros. This is particularly important because from 2029 sewage sludge will no longer be allowed to be used for agriculture.

The existing Vera I and II sewage treatment plants are expected to process around 97,000 tons of sewage sludge annually. This ensures the drinking water supply in Hamburg for the coming decades. Currently the peak supply is at least 470,000 cubic meters per day; This target is to be increased to 500,000 cubic meters by 2030.

Demographic and climatic challenges

With the population in the supply area increasing by around 100,000, the challenges posed by climate change and rising construction costs must also be taken seriously. The current legal uncertainty regarding water pumping in the Nordheide endangers the supply of around 300,000 people, as Hamburg Wasser has so far only received a “higher permit”. The problems in coordination with the city and authorities remain an important topic of discussion.

It is interesting that per capita consumption in Hamburg is now 107 liters per day; 20 years ago it was 135 liters. According to a study, there are annual fluctuations in water consumption, but an increased awareness of saving water is noticeable. Ingo Hannemann, Managing Director of Hamburg Wasser, says that the study results are helpful in better predicting fluctuations in consumption.

However, it remains to be seen whether a long-term trend towards water saving will become established. What is certain is that the people of Hamburg have reduced their water consumption over the last few years, which is also reflected in modernized habits in the bathroom and garden as well as a more environmentally conscious lifestyle.

Overall, Hamburg Wasser's annual balance sheet shows that the company is on a stable course and is setting important course for the future in order to be prepared for the challenges of the environment and growth.