Water shortage in Lower Saxony: parks and gardens affected!

Water shortage in Lower Saxony: parks and gardens affected!

But Peine is not the only place that takes strict measures. A similar decision has also been applied in Braunschweig since July. There, however, the restrictions are excluded from the low -evaporation of irrigation systems. In the district of Wolfenbüttel, which already went on the offensive in mid -June, irrigation with groundwater is also prohibited between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., while pumping water from rivers is prohibited until the end of September. In Göttingen, pumping water from rivers or private wells has been prohibited from 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. since the beginning of July, unless it is the fire brigade. Similar regulations also apply in Salzgitter and the Hanover region. The aim of these measures is to secure the ecological functionality of the rivers and the groundwater levels.

The water shortage in view

The problems related to groundwater are not only locally in Lower Saxony, but also affect entire areas. According to a study by the federal government, 201 out of 401 counties and independent cities in Germany are under groundwater stress, especially in areas that are intensively used in agriculture. More groundwater is often taken here than is created. [BUND] points out that in every second municipality in Lower Saxony an overuse of the groundwater was determined, which leads to falling water levels, drying flows and lower water in rivers.

The consequences of this development are serious. Falling groundwater levels not only lead to crop failures and fewer income in agriculture, but also affect drinking water supply in some counties. Biodiversity suffers from drought, especially in wetlands and bogs that represent important habitats. These developments are not only alarming, but also represent a challenge for society as a whole. [ZDF] also emphasizes that climate change still exacerbates the situation, especially in regions such as Brandenburg and Saxony-Anhalt.

measures for water savings and use

The circles and cities are required, and water policy at the state and federal level must also be adapted. A reduction in water consumption in the regions affected by water stress is crucial. Among other things, the federal government calls for a fair pricing for water and regulation of the groundwater removal in order to be able to guarantee water requirements in the future. The promotion of water -saving technologies is a central point. In the sense of the household, rainwater tanks are a sensible solution for which grants are now even offered in some places.

Overall, it should be noted that all citizens are asked to prove a good knack for water use. The drought is a topic that affects us all, and only together can we find a way to use and protect our water sustainably.