The prolonged, tense hydrometeorological situation has led to very low water levels in surface waters. After the mild and low-precipitation years of 2018 to 2022, it can be seen that groundwater and surface water levels have not yet recovered even after the high-precipitation years of 2023 and 2024. Due to the ongoing drought in spring 2025, the current conditions and the weather forecast suggest that water levels will continue to fall, meaning that a change in the situation is not foreseeable.
For this reason, it is no longer permitted to withdraw water from surface waters using technical aids, e.g. pumping devices, with immediate effect. This applies to withdrawals within the scope of owner and neighbourhood use as well as applicable water law permits.
In addition, it is prohibited to draw water from wells for the irrigation of public and private green and garden areas, sports facilities (e.g. lawns, tennis courts and riding arenas) and for agricultural purposes (sprinkling) between 10:00 and 19:00.
The Lower Water Authority is responsible for the supervision of surface waters and groundwater. The general ruling applies to all bodies of water in the district of Börde that are subject to water law regulations. The district is not responsible for restrictions on the use of drinking water, but rather the local water supply companies. Should a water shortage arise here, water consumption must be regulated by the suppliers.
The withdrawal of surface water is linked to a sufficient supply of water. If this is no longer the case and the water bodies continue to be used, a negative impact on the water bodies and a threat to the public good is to be expected. The district of Börde is therefore authorised to take appropriate measures to protect the water ecosystem.
Groundwater must be preserved as the basis of human life and as a usable resource (e.g. for drinking water supply). According to Section 5 of the Water Resources Act, everyone is obliged to use water resources carefully and sparingly. It has been proven that in the summer months, a large proportion of the water evaporates during irrigation between 10:00 and 19:00. This results in an inefficient use of water and consequently the groundwater is excessively polluted.
By restricting surface and groundwater abstraction, the district of Börde is therefore fulfilling its duty to supervise water bodies in accordance with Section 100 of the Water Resources Act to prevent impairment of the water balance. As part of its supervisory duties, the lower water authority carries out inspections of the water bodies. With reference to the note in the general ruling, violations of this general ruling constitute an administrative offence that can be punished with a fine of up to 50,000 euros in individual cases.
The district expressly requests that the "resource water" be used sustainably and sparingly.
To the general ruling on the restriction/prohibition of water abstraction in the district of Börde