Dryness despite the rain: water withdrawal in the Alb-Donau district is prohibited!

Dryness despite the rain: water withdrawal in the Alb-Donau district is prohibited!

In the past few days, the Alb-Donau district has got some rain, but that was not enough to improve the tense water situation in the rivers and streams. Despite the precipitation, the waters still suffer from the consequences of the continued drought of the past few weeks, which has led to very low water levels. The situation on the Lone, a river, which has now fallen completely dry in large parts of the circle, is particularly worrying. Due to the permeable karst floor, the water naturally seeps away, which also tightens the location. Water authority of the district office has now issued a general order that prohibits the water withdrawal from the Lone. This prohibition not only applies to new requests, but also to permits that have already been granted, for example to agricultural irrigation.

The general decree comes into force on June 19, 2025 and remains valid until July 7, 2025. The district office urgently appeals to the population to use water sparingly. As early as May 20, the citizens were informed and asked to forego water withdrawals. At the low water levels, there is hardly any dilution of the cleaned waste water, which increases the organic load and reduces the oxygen content in the water. This leads to a further deterioration in living conditions for fish species, mussels, amphibians, aquatic plants and small plants Alb-Donau-Kreis.de/startsite/dienstleiste+service/pr-101+Lassesse+fluessen+und+baechen_+Landratsamt+Alb-Donau-Kreis++-appelled+-Spargang+-wasser.html">, according to the district office Alb-Donau-Kreis.

increased responsibility of the citizens

The specified measures are to be understood as a strong signal: water withdrawals from rivers, especially in times of low water, are only permitted with a permission from the lower water authority. Anyone who wants to remove water with pumps from a body of water needs such a permit. In addition, the congestion of water and the creation of depressions for relieved water withdrawal are strictly prohibited. The latter could continue to burden the already fragile conditions.

A look at the situation shows that the bank areas of the waters dry out, when it comes to endangered spawning spaces and retreats for numerous species. The district office continues to observe the situation and will take further measures in the event of a deterioration. In this critical time it is more important than ever that each of us has a good hand in dealing with this valuable good.

The general decree and further information on the current situation can be called up on the homepage of the district office. Responsible handling of water is not only necessary, but also a requirement of the hour. Together we can help protect our waters for future generations.