Water in abundance? Hesse is finally demanding remuneration for large consumers!

Water in abundance? Hesse is finally demanding remuneration for large consumers!

Water is a hotly debated topic in Hesse. In view of the ongoing summer drought, numerous municipalities have banned the withdrawal of water from streams and the filling of private pools. Nevertheless, agriculture and industry continue to benefit from generous regulations that allow them to use groundwater from wells and springs free of charge. The Hessian state government under the black and red coalition is currently not planning any changes to these requirements, which has met with strong criticism from the public. Euwid Wasser reports that large water consumers in particular, such as industry, do not receive any financial incentive to save water. Jörg Nitsch, chairman of the BUND in Hesse, classifies this regulation as ecologically risky and unsustainable. He emphasizes that the groundwater in Hesse is already heavily overused and that changes caused by climate change and droughts are causing further stress.

Nitsch is therefore calling for the introduction of a water cent in order to promote responsible use of the valuable resource water. Income from such a water extraction fee could be used to ensure the protection of groundwater, the renaturation of water bodies and the long-term security of drinking water supplies. The Darmstadt regional council adds that groundwater extraction by agriculture and industry in Hesse is subject to approval and that the relevant permits are carefully checked.

Nationwide uniform regulations required

The Federation for the Environment and Nature Conservation Germany (BUND) is campaigning for a uniform regulation of water abstraction fees at the federal level. A current evaluation shows significant differences between the federal states, especially in Bavaria, Hesse and Thuringia, where there are no specific laws for charging such fees. CONVENTION highlights that many industrial companies are partially exempt from paying wages. In Rhineland-Palatinate, for example, large companies such as BASF only pay low fees for water extraction, while the cost of drinking water for citizens in Ludwigshafen is 1.92 euros per cubic meter (net).

A clear majority of the population – 65 percent – ​​is in favor of large industrial consumers also paying a fair price for water. BUND managing director Verena Graichen emphasizes the urgency of using water fairly and ecologically. The current all-German water policy is far from meeting the European requirements for water quality by 2027 and is confronted with massive financial and personnel challenges.

National water strategy as a solution

On March 15, 2023, the National Water Strategy was approved by the Federal Cabinet. This strategy, dedicated to the sustainable management of water resources, provides the framework for the challenges facing the water sector. In addition to climate change, this also includes globalization, as well as demographic changes and diffuse substance inputs. The main objectives of the strategy are to ensure safe access to high-quality drinking water, responsible use of water bodies and supporting their ecological development. Federal Environment Agency informs that there are 78 measures that are to be implemented gradually by 2030, with the aim of sustainable water use by 2050 and beyond.

The introduction of a water extraction fee and a uniform regulation could be a first important step towards a more responsible use of the valuable resource water. According to the National Water Strategy, this would be a step towards creating a uniform framework for water users who also have an eye on the preservation of water bodies and groundwater.