Tiefental under pressure: How climate change is endangering our water supply

Tiefental under pressure: How climate change is endangering our water supply

In the picturesque Tiefental between Blaubeuren and Schelklingen, where hikers and cyclists enjoy the beauty of nature, an exciting chapter in Baden-Württemberg's water supply is beginning. The “Valley of the Butterflies”, known for its variety of butterflies, is not only a popular destination for those seeking relaxation, but is also the focus of the Stuttgart state water supply. Bernhard Röhrle, the press spokesman for the state water supply, points to the challenges of climate change, which will increasingly influence the water supply, and therefore there is great interest in the groundwater resources in the Tiefental. A number of measuring points were set up to investigate the availability of this valuable commodity in more detail, as Schwäbische.de reports.

But what does the future hold? The forecasts up to 2050 show an alarming development: the decline in groundwater recharge could be up to 50% in some regions. This not only has a direct impact on the water supply, but also on agriculture, whose water requirements increase in hot summers. The Baden-Württemberg Water Supply Master Plan, which is being promoted by the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Food, Rural Areas and Consumer Protection, therefore aims to make the structure of the public water supply fit for the future. This plan analyzes the water supply in 235 cities and municipalities, providing municipalities with important recommendations for avoiding water shortages, as Baden-Württemberg.de highlights.

Challenges for water supply

The current supply structure in Baden-Württemberg appears to be largely stable, but the environment has changed. The many small water suppliers, who are often only dependent on individual reserves, are under pressure. In a good 20% of the communities examined, there may be a need for action by 2050 if appropriate measures are not taken. Weather forecasts point to longer dry spells and more frequent extreme weather events, making the situation even more complicated. In addition, a second mainstay of water supply may only work in around 20% of supply areas. Without action, that share could fall to less than 10% by 2050, the data shows.

However, there are already initiatives to secure the water supply in Tiefental. The area could play a central role in water supply for the region, even if the results of water studies so far have been rather disappointing. There are currently no signs of a new drinking water fountain being set up in Tiefental. Despite these challenges, the message should be clear: the water supply master plan is important in order to ensure a secure water supply in the future. Communities and citizens are called upon to actively participate in this development and to be prepared to face the changes.

The districts of Schwäbisch Hall, Hohenlohekreis, Neckar-Odenwald-Kreis, Freudenstadt, Rottweil, Zollernalbkreis, Sigmaringen, Emmendingen and Ortenaukreis are just some of the municipalities that are taken into account for the comprehensive analysis as part of the master plan. Results presentations are planned for summer 2024, and by then affected communities should be well prepared to put the recommendations into action.