Banger view of Inninger Bach: Drought threatens our water resources!

Banger view of Inninger Bach: Drought threatens our water resources!

The drought in Germany is also increasingly evident in the Inninger Bach, which is suffering from the high temperatures of the past few weeks. Loud Mercury The situation is noticeable, even if the groundwater level for drinking water supply is currently in the green range. A brief rain at the end of last week brought little relief and did not significantly alleviate the critical drought. The lower nature conservation authority is monitoring the water levels at the Wörthsee and the Inninger Bach with growing concern.

The groundwater level in Unering is a pleasing 75 cm above mean water, which is better than in the dry years of 2020 and 2021. Nevertheless, the water level at the Inninger Bach has only risen by 4 cm, which alarms those responsible. Alexander Dietz, tenant of the Inninger Bach, describes the water situation as tense; although it is sufficient, it is still quite small. Therefore, community representatives, fishermen and the district office are calling for a permanent increase in the Wörthsee level by 25 cm.

Concrete measures for improvement

In order to keep the water longer, a proposal to redesign the outlet of the Wörthsee is being discussed. The exchange between the water management office, the lower nature conservation authority, the municipality and other actors is already underway. However, Thomas Tinnes warns that the ongoing drought could cause serious problems for water supplies in the coming years. This assessment is supported by the general water shortage in Germany, which is characterized by climate change and high levels of water abstraction. Loud Research and knowledge The west and south of Germany are particularly affected.

A study by the Helmholtz Center Potsdam and the Federal Environment Agency recently examined the effects of climate change on water availability. This shows that in the last 20 years in many German regions more groundwater has been lost than could be replenished. Although the simulations show that such groundwater droughts will not persist until 2100, periods of above-average precipitation are also expected.

Regional risks and necessary adjustments

The German Weather Service informs that Germany is becoming increasingly warmer and drier, which increases evaporation and thus disrupts the natural water balance. In the southern German areas, where the water shortage is already being felt strongly, measures such as restrictions on water withdrawal and the use of long-distance water pipes are necessary. Concerns about water supply are therefore not just local, but affect the entire country. The water management situation could worsen further, which urgently calls on politicians to take action. The Federal Environment Agency has already developed approaches and recommendations for action for sustainable water management.

In view of the looming water shortage, a more integrated view of natural ecosystems is required. Without adaptation strategies, water supplies will be at risk in the coming years - both for nature and for the people who rely on a healthy water balance.