Dresden bans water extraction from bodies of water

Heat and drought are leading to initial consequences in Dresden. For the time being, no more water may be taken from almost all water bodies in the state capital until the end of the year, as the administration announced. Small bodies of water dried up despite the rain. "Many of Dresden's streams and rivers have too little water or have partially dried up. The Gorbitzbach, the Prießnitz and the Nöthnitzbach, for example, are severely affected," it said. According to current weather forecasts, the extremely low water levels will not be compensated for by rainfall in the coming weeks.

For this reason, the city's lower water authority issued a ban on water withdrawal from surface waters in the city area. It applies from Thursday. Until further notice, owners and residents are therefore not allowed to take water from municipal streams. Violations can be punished as an administrative offense. The fine is at least 50 euros.

Elbe excluded from the ban

Water withdrawals for which a water permit has been issued are not affected. The Elbe is exempt from the ban. Water may be drawn from the Lockwitzbach and Weißeritz using hand containers.

"Even the occasional heavy rainfall in recent weeks has not led to any lasting relief. They have been good for nature, but the waters need much more. It would have to rain really heavily and persistently for almost a week for the situation to ease. According to the forecast, however, it will remain dry," explained René Herold, head of the environmental department.

Administration request: handle water with care

A restriction on the use of groundwater does not yet have to be imposed, the statement continued. The groundwater levels at the measuring points are currently on average around 20 centimetres below the monthly average of the last 15 years. This corresponds to a normal fluctuation.

In conclusion, the administration reminded everyone of the general principle of always using water carefully and sparingly. Rainwater should preferably be collected and used for watering. Watering in the early morning or late evening hours is generally recommended in order to minimize losses through evaporation. Lawns should generally not be watered.