Water shortage in Lower Saxony: Parks and gardens affected!

Water shortage in Lower Saxony: Parks and gardens affected!

From today on things will get serious in the Peine district for everyone who likes to irrigate. Until September 30, 2025, parks, gardens and sports facilities may no longer be watered with sprinklers on hot days between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. The background to this is the decreasing groundwater levels, which can be attributed to the drought phase in spring. [NDR] reports that this regulation was issued as a general decree by the district administration and that the use of water from rivers and wells is therefore restricted until autumn.

But Peine is not the only place taking strict measures. A similar order has also been in effect in Braunschweig since July, which even includes fields. However, low-evaporation irrigation systems are exempt from the restrictions there. In the Wolfenbüttel district, which 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. Since the beginning of July, pumping water from rivers or private wells between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. has been prohibited in Göttingen, unless the fire department is involved. Similar regulations also apply in Salzgitter and the Hanover region. The aim of these measures is to ensure the ecological functionality of the rivers and the groundwater levels.

The water shortage in view

The problems surrounding groundwater in Lower Saxony are not just local, but affect entire areas of the country. According to a study by BUND, 201 of 401 districts and independent cities in Germany are under groundwater stress, especially in areas used intensively for agriculture. Here, more groundwater is often extracted than is created. [BUND] points out that overuse of groundwater has been identified in every second municipality in Lower Saxony, which leads to falling water levels, drying out soils and lower water flow in rivers.

The consequences of this development are serious. Falling groundwater levels not only lead to crop failures and reduced agricultural yields, but also affect the drinking water supply in some districts. Biodiversity is suffering from drought, particularly in wetlands and peatlands, which are important habitats. These developments are not only alarming, but also represent a challenge for society as a whole. [ZDF] also emphasizes that climate change is making the situation even worse, especially in regions such as Brandenburg and Saxony-Anhalt.

Water saving and use measures

The districts and cities are called upon, and water policy at the state and federal level must also adapt. Reducing water consumption in regions affected by water stress is crucial. The BUND calls, among other things, for fair pricing for water and regulation of groundwater extraction in order to be able to continue to meet water needs in the future. The promotion of water-saving technologies is a central point. In terms of budget, rainwater tanks are a sensible solution, for which subsidies are now even offered in some places.

Overall, it should be noted that all citizens are asked to demonstrate good skills when it comes to water use. Drought is an issue that affects us all, and only together can we find a way to use and protect our water sustainably.