Water shortage on Lake Constance: General ban on abstraction from June 24th!

Water shortage on Lake Constance: General ban on abstraction from June 24th!

The water supply in the Lake Constance district is facing major challenges. From Tuesday, June 24th until July 15th, 2025, there will be a general ban on abstracting water from all surface waters, such as rivers, streams, ponds and lakes. This measure was taken due to the ongoing drought and associated low water levels, which are affecting not only the aquatic ecology but also the organisms living there. Fish, small creatures and aquatic plants are increasingly suffering from a lack of water as well as rising water temperatures and falling oxygen levels. The district office even appeals to avoid scooping with hand vessels in order not to further aggravate the already critical situation.

The general decree that puts this ban into effect is backed by coordination with neighboring districts, such as Ravensburg, Biberach and Alb-Donau-Kreis. Agricultural operations that rely on water withdrawals for irrigation are particularly affected by this ban. Exceptions only apply to withdrawals from Lake Constance and approved groundwater to ensure the supply of livestock. Failure to comply with the ban could result in severe fines of up to 10,000 euros.

A challenge for the region

Irmtraud Schuster, head of the environment and technology department, makes it clear that the combination of high temperatures and the lack of precipitation makes the current situation unavoidable. Despite occasional local showers or thunderstorms that can provide short-term relief, the weather forecast does not predict widespread rainfall. This uncertainty is forcing those responsible to prepare for a possible extension of the ban if the drought continues to worsen.

Water is not only an essential resource for agriculture and drinking water supplies, but also for the health of ecosystems. Around 2.2 billion people worldwide suffer from a lack of clean water. These problems are particularly pronounced in the context of climate change. Temperature fluctuations and droughts are becoming more frequent, making the need for sustainable water management even more urgent. Initiatives such as the “Water: N” program have been launched at the federal level, which promotes innovative approaches to sustainable water use. The aim is to protect water resources and optimize their use for the benefit of the environment, as can be found on the website of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.

Find solutions together

It is the responsibility of each individual to commit to using water sustainably. The situation in the Lake Constance district could serve as a wake-up call to think about your own water use. Politicians and the responsible authorities are working to address the challenges in water management and to educate the population about the correct use of this valuable resource. It is clear that no one can avoid water - without water, no life. Let's find solutions together to ensure there is enough clean water in the future.

For further information about the general decree and the details of the ban, those interested can visit the official website of the Lake Constance District: here.