Germany's Gießen district and Switzerland's St. Gallen ban surface water extraction amid drought

The Landkreis Gießen in Germany issued a general order effective 18 July that prohibits the extraction of water from surface waters such as streams, rivers and lakes. The ban, aimed at protecting the ecosystem and preventing further decline of already low water levels, applies to all but those holding existing water‑right permits and carries fines of up to €100,000 for violations.

In the Swiss canton of St. Gallen, authorities raised the drought danger level to 4 (“great danger”) and announced tightened water‑saving measures. Unlicensed withdrawals from surface waters are forbidden across the canton (except on the Bodensee, Walensee, Zürichsee and Alpine Rhine), and a fire ban remains in force within 200 m of forests. Residents, farmers and businesses are urged to minimise irrigation, avoid using drinking‑water for cleaning, and limit pool refilling, while the drinking‑water supply stays secure.