Water shortage in Lower Saxony: Municipalities impose irrigation stop!

Water shortage in Lower Saxony: Municipalities impose irrigation stop!

The water shortage in Germany is obvious - especially in Lower Saxony. More and more municipalities are sounding the alarm and taking measures to restrict water withdrawal. This affects numerous districts that have to take action due to falling groundwater levels and a prolonged period of drought. In the Peine district, for example, from today, July 16, 2025, parks, gardens and sports facilities are no longer allowed to be watered during the day if temperatures reach 24 degrees or more. This regulation, which applies until September 30th, was brought into force by a general order from the district administration.
The situation is not even limited to Peine. A similar order has also been issued in the city of Braunschweig, which also extends to agricultural land. However, low-evaporation irrigation systems are exempt from these restrictions because they are considered more environmentally friendly.

Strict measures will also apply in the Wolfenbüttel district from mid-June and will also last until the end of September. Here, taking water from larger rivers such as the Oker or the Innerste is prohibited, while irrigation with groundwater is no longer permitted on public and private land between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. These steps are intended to ensure the ecological functionality of the watercourses and the maintenance of groundwater levels.

Reasons for the water shortage

But what are the causes of this alarming situation? A current one study BUND shows that 201 out of 401 districts nationwide are affected by groundwater stress. Groundwater stress is considered when more than 20 percent of newly formed groundwater is withdrawn annually. Groundwater levels have fallen dramatically in over 94 districts in recent years. Weather-prone regions in Lower Saxony, eastern Germany and the industrial areas in North Rhine-Westphalia are particularly affected.

Additional influences come from climate change and intensive irrigation practices in agriculture. While agricultural land demands more and more water, many municipalities are struggling to secure long-term drinking water supplies. This dependence on natural water leads to a dramatic reduction in water supplies in soils and waterways. Wetlands and moors are also suffering greatly - habitats that are essential for biodiversity and natural water retention are drying out.

Future prospects

Water consumption should be regulated and adjusted to ensure a sustainable water supply. The BUND calls on politicians to take measures that both regulate groundwater extraction and reduce water consumption by consumers. This also includes awareness-raising measures for the population and the promotion of water-saving technologies in agriculture and industry.

Saving measures such as installing rainwater tanks are recommended, and in many places there are already subsidies for cisterns to support water users. The need for a “fair” water price is increasingly being discussed as many regions benefit from free water abstraction, which highlights the nonsense of the current treatment of this valuable resource.

The problems are complex, but it is clear: If we continue to be so careless with our water, it could soon become scarce. Therefore, it is time to take responsibility and take action before the situation worsens further. The municipalities have taken the first, necessary steps - now everyone is required to make their contribution and use water carefully in order to enable future generations to live a good life.