Germany launches national low‑water monitoring system as Rhine drought hits industry

Germany has introduced the Low Water Information System (NIWIS), a nationwide online platform that consolidates daily data on river levels, groundwater and soil moisture. Environment Minister Carsten Schneider said the system will help authorities, companies and citizens “recognise water scarcity earlier and take preventive measures”. He warned that water stress could cost the German economy up to €25 billion a year by 2050.

The launch comes as the Rhine river remains at record‑low levels, forcing steelmaker Thyssenkrupp to cut blast‑furnace output and suspend its own barge operations. Transport costs on the Rhine have risen sharply, with barge rates increasing from €60‑70 to €90‑100 per ton.

In response to critically low flows in the Ruhr, Lenne and Sieg rivers, the regional government in Arnsberg has imposed a water‑extraction ban for most uses, allowing only livestock watering and small‑scale hand‑drawing until late November.

Heavy rain in southern Germany is expected to raise water levels at the Kaub bottleneck from about 42 cm to around 68 cm by Saturday, offering temporary relief to navigation and industry.