Stemming from regional and seasonal water shortages becoming increasingly apparent across Germany, the Federation of German Cities (Städtetag) is appealing for a fundamental shift in attitude toward water use. Christian Schuchardt, chief executive of the Städtetag, told journalists that water was once viewed as an inexhaustible resource in Germany, a perception that is no longer accurate. The warm summers of recent years have demonstrated that water scarcity can occur regionally and seasonally even within Germany, with temperatures hitting record highs in June this year and the situation remaining particularly severe.
While Schuchardt maintains that Germany’s water supply is still secure, he demanded a far more conscious approach to managing groundwater, as well as water drawn from rivers, streams, and lakes. He called on both the federal government and the states to establish standardized withdrawal fees for groundwater and surface waters. These tariffs, he stressed, should not primarily target private households but rather commercial extraction. Schuchardt stated that the fees levied on businesses, industry, and agricultural operations must be structured to actively encourage water conservation. Furthermore, the revenue generated from these fees could be heavily reinvested into measures aimed at protecting water bodies and adapting to climate change-a “real win-win situation.” Currently, only 13 out of 16 federal states implement such withdrawal fees, and the levels and exemption rules vary significantly between regions, necessitating uniform federal regulations.
In parallel, the Federation of German Districts (Landkreistag) is supporting municipal efforts to restrict both public and private water consumption. Achim Brötel, president of the Landkreistag, noted that periods of heat and drought are escalating in many areas, requiring critical re-evaluation of private comfort uses, such as filling swimming pools. He urged that water providers’ guidelines and recommendations must be strictly adhered to. Though some municipalities have historically needed to impose time or volume limits on water extraction, Brötel stated that districts do not want to have to issue such orders themselves, preferring instead to rely on public understanding and responsible behavior.
A recent example of these limitations was implemented by the city of Munich, which introduced extensive restrictions on both public and private water use. These restrictions included bans on filling private pools and paddling pools, as well as operating fountains. Furthermore, watering, gardening, and spraying in yards were prohibited. Munich Mayor Dominik Krause (The Greens) justified the measures by saying that due to an unusually dry winter and spring, the city’s water supply resources were “extremely strained.”
Meanwhile, Krause’s party is calling for greater corporate accountability. Britta Haßelmann, chairman of the Greens parliamentary group, highlighted the extreme strain heat places on people and the water supply. She warned that when water providers begin urging conservation in early summer, it serves as a clear danger signal. Haßelmann demanded that companies that use large volumes of water must accept responsibility. She advocated for harmonized and uniform withdrawal rules and prices across Germany, arguing this would ensure fairness and prevent major consumers from evading their duties. She concluded by asserting that drinking water for people must always take precedence, stating, “It is not a commodity like any other.” She emphasized that the federal government has a duty to better protect water resources to ensure that clean and affordable water remains available for everyone in the future.
