Main-Spessart District imposes ban on water extraction from minor streams

The Landratsamt Main‑Spessart issued an Allgemeinverfügung on 24 July 2026 that forbids the extraction of water from surface water bodies of order II and III across the district until at least 31 August 2026. The ban is a response to prolonged drought and low water levels that have severely affected groundwater and the ecological condition of smaller streams, while the Main River (order I) is exempt.

Violations are treated as administrative offenses and may be fined up to €50,000. Exceptions can be granted in writing for emergency protection, hand‑bucket extraction without pumps, or for holders of existing permits. The district authority will monitor compliance and may extend the restriction if the hydrometeorological situation remains tense.