New water law in MV: drinking water prices rise!

New water law in MV: drinking water prices rise!

In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, there are major changes in dealing with water resources, which has become particularly necessary due to climate change. On June 24, 2025, the cabinet decided on the new state water and coastal protection law. Agricultural and Environment Minister Till Backhaus (SPD) presented the key points of the law in the Schwerin Castle. The law should come into force by the end of the year and will be debated before the state parliament's summer break. The needs of climate change and the rising water prices were decisive for the reform, which should also regulate the use of water in the agricultural sector.

The new regulations provide for water to be seen as a valuable resource that must be both protected and used sparingly. A family of four will soon have to prepare for rising drinking water prices - around 15 euros more are due. In addition, the price per liter of drinking water increases by almost a cent. Farmers in particular will feel the effects because they have to pay fees for water withdrawal in the future: 2 cents per cubic meter from surface waters - such as streams and lakes - and 6 cents per cubic meter of groundwater.

resource protection and investments

The innovations also include incentives for water -saving irrigation methods that are supposed to support farmers. In addition, a five -meter -wide protective strip around arable land is determined, where no fertilization is allowed. With these measures, the state government hopes to generate around 11 million euros annually. These income should flow into various protective projects, such as groundwater protection and the renewal of measuring points.

But the challenges are significant: the rising sea level and more and more frequent storms also require the construction of new coastal protection systems. In addition, agriculture suffers from drought, which tempted many farmers to pump groundwater. The country is expected to achieve the goal of the EU Water Framework Directive, which demands good condition of all waters by 2027. This guideline forms the legal framework for the sustainable use of all water resources and ensures that water is protected as generally accessible but limited resource. Politically, the implementation of this guideline is considered an important part of environmental protection and must be accelerated urgently in order to counteract the effects of climate change, endanger water resources.

meaning for the region

water is not only essential for drinking water supply, but also crucial for agriculture, industry and for ecosystems on site. The EU has passed various guidelines to secure and protect water quality. Among other things, the Nitrat Directive and the bathing water guideline ensure that water resources are important not only for people, but also for flora and fauna. In recent years, worrying weather events, such as floods and drought time, have once again illustrated the urgency of the reforms.

In this context, it becomes clear how important it is to include all stakeholders in the discussion about water use. This society as a whole, participating in agriculture, industry and the population is crucial in order to continue to ensure sustainable and qualitative water management.