Lake Constance in change: from floods to historical low levels!

Lake Constance in change: from floods to historical low levels!

Radolfzell am Bodensee, Deutschland - Lake Constance is currently presenting itself as an extremely dynamic body of water, with the water levels experiencing extreme ups and downs in recent years. Early summer 2024 was hit by floods, which presented the communities around the lake with great challenges. Shop paths were closed and walkers had to navigate through flooded paths. In June 2024, the flood reached critical borders in many regions, including Constance, which dealt with citizens and local politics. Many still remembered the pictures of the stone stairs in Seestrasse, which were almost completely under water this year.

But the picture has changed drastically since then. The water level of Lake Constance is as low in spring 2025 as it has been in a long time. The consequences of the water decline can be observed all over the bank lines. In Constance, for example, the bank fortifications are visible again, and the city garden, which was almost flooded last year, can now be climbed dry. Also in Radolfzell, where the bronze statue El Niño was almost up to the neck in the water in December 2023, you can now easily circle the base around the statue.

unexpected extreme values ​​

These dramatic changes in the water level are not just statistics, they reflect the influence of climate change that significantly influences the weather conditions on Lake Constance. According to the International Water Protection Commission for Lake Constance (IGKB), the water level of the lake fluctuates strongly and depends on various factors such as precipitation, melting snow and climatic changes. A new research project with the name "Seewandel-Klima" was initiated to better predict the future effects of climate change and the spread of invasive species such as the Quagga shell.

climate change already shows noticeable effects. Summer water levels drop by about 40 cm, while the winter values ​​tend to rise. These annual fluctuations, which correspond to an average values ​​of around 1.2 meters, have an impact on the entire water balance of Lake Constance.

The challenges for residents and environmentalists

With the drastic changes, numerous challenges for residents and environmentalists also come. Since its foundation in 1959, the IGKB has been committed to protecting Lake Constance as a natural paradise and continuously initiates research projects and statements on important water protection issues. The Commission has recognized that a well -functioning ecosystem is crucial for the quality of life in the region. Therefore, the spread of the Quagga mussel, which has spread strongly in Lake Constance and can now reach up to 10,000 copies per square meter, is also intensively observed. The IGKB recommends taking measures to prevent this distribution into other waters, in particular by the correct cleaning of boats.

The past few years have impressively demonstrated how sensitive Lake Constance reacts to climatic changes. Even if the lake is currently in a historically deep water level, it can be hoped that the upcoming precipitation will take care of a balance in the water levels. However, it is certain that the municipalities and environmentalists have to do everything possible to maintain the fragile balance in and around Lake Constance.