Drought in Germany triggers water extraction bans

Severe drought conditions in parts of Germany have led to extended bans on water extraction from surface waters. In the Rastatt district, a legal ordinance prohibits all water removal from surface bodies—including small amounts for gardening, agriculture, or forestry—through August 31, 2026. A new regulation will extend this ban from September 1 through September 30, 2026, to prevent further degradation of water quality. Exceptions include the Rhine, active gravel pit lakes, emergency firefighting, and livestock watering. Illegal extraction may result in fines of up to 100,000 euros.

Similarly, in the Fulda district, a water extraction ban remains in effect due to critically low groundwater levels and dry soil. Despite recent cooling and rainfall, authorities noted that recovery of water bodies and groundwater levels may take several months. A drinking water emergency has been declared in the region. The shortage is attributed not only to the dry summer but also to a lack of precipitation during the 2025/2026 hydrological winter period, which is essential for recharging groundwater supplies.