Water crisis on Lake Constance: Expert warns of alarming changes!

Water crisis on Lake Constance: Expert warns of alarming changes!

Water is not only essential for life, but also an important economic factor. The effects of climate change are already noticeable in the Lake Constance region, which underlines the importance of events that address this issue. The “Water in Transition” event will take place on April 11th and 12th, 2025 at the University of Konstanz, which will address the challenges surrounding the topic of water. The event is aimed at interested citizens and offers a broad program that includes interviews, short films and interactive discussion groups. The patron is Petra Olschowski, the Science Minister of Baden-Württemberg.

The opening lecture will be given by Klement Tockner, General Director of the Senckenberg Society for Natural Research. The event will be moderated by Felix Seibert-Daiker. Topics include water and ecosystems, weather and climate, and the controversial resource of water. Particular attention is paid to the regional use of sea thermal energy, an example of innovative problem solutions. The aim is to create awareness of the water crises and possible solutions.

Climate change and Lake Constance

The effects of climate change on Lake Constance are obvious. According to a response from the Baden-Württemberg Ministry for the Environment, Climate and Energy, the worrying situation is reflected in the increase in air and water temperatures, which rose by over one degree Celsius between 1990 and 2017. This warming not only affects the ecosystem, but also fish stocks. Heat-tolerant fish such as carp benefit, while cold-loving species, including whitefish and lake trout, are at risk from the higher temperatures.

Another worrying aspect is the weak winter mixing of the water, which leads to lower oxygen concentrations in the deep water. Changes in seasonal water levels can also be observed: in summer the water level drops while in winter it rises. These fluctuations have a direct impact on the ecosystems near the shore and the quality of the drinking water obtained from Lake Constance. Although no serious losses in drinking water quality have been identified so far, the treatment of raw water could become more complex and expensive in the future, especially due to the invasive quagga mussel, which could clog the intake pipes for drinking water production.

The program of the event

The “Water in Change” event is divided into three thematic areas:

• Wasser und Ökosysteme: 11. April, 15:30-18:00 Uhr
• Wasser, Wetter, Klima: 12. April, 11:00-13:00 Uhr
• Wasser als umstrittene Ressource: 12. April, 14:00-16:30 Uhr

On April 12th, the research ship “Robert Lauterborn” will also be on display at the Lake Constance Forum from 12:30 p.m. An accompanying exhibition entitled "Everything in Flow!? Water in Crisis" by the Heinrich Böll Foundation will be in the university foyer on both days. Those interested are recommended to register at www.uni-konstanz.de/wissensforum. The entire event will also be available as a live stream on the University of Konstanz's YouTube channel.

Overall, the event not only shows the challenges that water poses in times of climate change, but also offers space for innovative solutions and dialogue between research and society. Especially in a region like Lake Constance, addressing these issues is of utmost importance, as the quality and availability of water is essential for people and nature.

[uni-konstanz.de] reports that…

[gruene-landtag-bw.de] shows the clear effects of climate change on Lake Constance...