Lake Constance water levels hit historic lows

Lake Constance is experiencing historically low water levels, with the water level in Konstanz recorded at 248 centimeters—more than one meter below the long-term average for early October. The deficit is estimated at approximately 568 billion liters of water, which represents about 1.2 percent of the lake's total volume.

The drought is significantly impacting regional maritime operations. The Bodensee-Schiffsbetriebe (BSB) has suspended service on the route between Radolfzell and Reichenau, and the Schweizerische Schifffahrtsgesellschaft Untersee und Rhein (URh) has ceased trips to Konstanz and Kreuzlingen since early October.

While the ferry between Meersburg and Konstanz remains operational, Stadtwerke Konstanz has implemented safety measures, such as using additional ropes to secure vessels during loading. Due to the low water level, the lifting bridge is increasingly tilted, requiring drivers to proceed with caution. Further restrictions are planned if water levels drop to 2.40 meters, which would limit access to certain piers and restrict truck loading on smaller ferries.