Fight for water: Baden-Württemberg secures drinking water supply until 2050!

Fight for water: Baden-Württemberg secures drinking water supply until 2050!

At a time when global water supply is proving to be increasingly problematic, the state government of Baden-Württemberg is introducing a groundbreaking step today, July 15, 2025. Environment Minister Thekla Walker presented the newly initiated water supply master plan to the Council of Ministers, which aims to make the drinking water supply in all communities in the state future-proof. This is particularly important because expert analyzes show that by 2050 more than half of municipalities will not be able to meet the highest demand for drinking water. Therefore, in 2026, funding for adapting the water supply infrastructure will be increased to an impressive 88 million euros in order to counteract this risk. Baden-Württemberg reports about these crucial developments.

But the problem is not just local. According to that Water Atlas 2025 from the Heinrich Böll Foundation Water resources worldwide are acutely threatened by overuse, pollution and the climate crisis. In Germany, climate changes are increasingly causing floods and droughts. Surprisingly, 87% of Germans see water as a precious commodity, while only 2% see the water crisis as the most pressing problem. Instead, topics such as climate change, migration and war are at the forefront of social discussion.

Global water shortage and its consequences

The impact of water scarcity on children is alarming. The current one UNICEF report “Climate Changed Child” shows that 436 million children worldwide live in areas with extreme water vulnerability. These children are particularly vulnerable to the negative consequences of climate change, such as disease and extreme weather events. In countries such as Niger, Jordan and Burkina Faso, children are particularly affected by inadequate access to clean drinking water, resulting in preventable deaths.

In Germany it is also observed that regional water conflicts arise again and again, for example between water management companies and municipalities. Hamburg Wasser is fighting over resources with the Lüneburg district, while water funding for Frankfurt am Main is under discussion in Hesse. Such problems show that the water issue affects not only nature, but also social structures and economic interests.

Recognize need for action

The challenges ahead require a rethinking of water policy. Through measures such as the “FachrechteLÄND” initiative, which aims to support the training and recruitment of skilled workers, Baden-Württemberg is also focusing on improved infrastructure. In the educational landscape, attempts are being made to attract more students to MINT subjects through adapted curricula - an important step in being able to overcome future challenges in water management.

In addition, functioning geodata and the provision of basic geodata to public bodies are important components of the solutions for making water extraction sustainable. In accordance with the EU requirements for open data, the functionality of public surveying authorities is strengthened.

Given these multifaceted challenges, one thing is clear: the water crisis requires creative thinking and innovative solutions to ensure that future generations have access not only to water, but also to a life-affirming environment.