THE Germany threatened with severe water shortage for the coming months, due to the prolonged humidity. In fact, the Authorities should take measures and they are even considering rationing water use.
In many areas of the country, the groundwater level has receded significantly and the situation is already at the point of “emergency”. According to the Federal Environmental Agency, increased water use “could push some water utilities’ distribution systems to their limits,” especially during the hottest hours of the day.
At the local level, decisions are already being made to limit water use, and 30 regions have taken relevant measures as early as 2022. In these areas, when temperatures are particularly high, it is forbidden to water one’s garden, fill one’s private pool or wash one’s car within the confines of his home.
At the state level, Lower Saxony, where groundwater has been reduced to a historically low level, imposed prohibition of watering gardens and fields in the Niinburg / Weser area, when the temperature exceeds 24 degrees, regardless of whether the water comes from the mains or from a private well.
Appeals to citizens
The federal government is urging citizens to avoid wasting water, among other things prefer showering to bathing, only use dishwashers full and water in the morning or evening. A lot of water consumption, he warns, is also done with lawn sprinklers, with watering requiring up to 800 liters of water/hour, for this and in emergency cases, a relevant ban. The competent authorities also recommend the establishment of private drilling, which, however, requires a special permit.
As the Association of Municipal Enterprises (VKU) points out, since 2018 water consumption has increased again in Germany. By comparison, in 1990 consumption was 147 liters per person, in 2013, 121 liters and in 2022, 125. Household needs in the middle of summer also increase by 40-60%, explains Martin Wyant, from the Federal Energy Industries Association. and Water (BDEW), while private swimming pools cause a particular burden. “An average 3.66 meter diameter above ground pool has a volume of 6500 litres. This corresponds to 52 times a person’s daily consumption,” he says.
Source: News Beast
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