Battle for water: Brandenburg's streams in crisis!

Battle for water: Brandenburg's streams in crisis!

The Lower Spree region in Brandenburg is currently facing considerable challenges. The need to sustainably secure the water balance of rivers is more urgent than ever. In recent decades, many streams and ditches have dried up significantly, due to climatic changes and historical drainage practices. These practices, which have systematically extracted water over centuries, have had serious consequences for the water structure and ecological condition in the region.

One of the fundamental challenges is to ensure water retention in the area. This is in competition with other requirements, such as the continuity of watercourses and agricultural use. In earlier development phases, river beds were often placed too deep, which is why targeted measures to raise these beds and adapt structures are necessary.

Revitalization activities and projects

The “Untere Spree” water and landscape conservation association has been actively involved in the issue of water balance since the 1990s. He uses various financing sources such as the Brandenburg Nature Protection Fund to carry out revitalization projects. One of the previous projects was the reconnection of four oxbow lakes of the Müggelspree. This measure has made it possible to extend the run by over 3,500 meters, which has had a positive impact on the water balance and ecological diversity.

Another revitalization project is currently being implemented on the Neuendorfer Hauptgraben east of Fürstenwalde. The aim is to promote natural water dynamics and increase the storage capacity of the landscape.

Water revitalization event

In order to involve the public in the discussion about the water balance, an event to revitalize water bodies in the Lower Spree region will take place on October 14, 2025. This takes place in lecture hall 2 in teaching building 1A and via live stream. The speaker at the event is Thorsten Weidner, the former managing director of the “Untere Spree” water and landscape conservation association. Admission is free, and the event promises to highlight current water issues in the region.

Society's use of water is becoming an increasingly important topic. In particular, the wasteful use of groundwater, for example for corn production in biogas plants, is criticized. A rethink in the choice of agricultural crops is encouraged. In addition, greater consideration of water scarcity in pricing is required.

National water strategy as a framework

There are also developments affecting the water balance at the national level. The National Water Strategy, which was approved by the Federal Cabinet on March 15, 2023, sets out a sustainable approach to water resources. This strategy aims to promote sustainable water use by 2050, taking into account climate change, globalization and other challenges. A central concern is access to high-quality drinking water and promoting the ecological development of water bodies.

The strategy includes ten strategic topics that, among other things, protect and restore the natural water balance and implement water-compatible and climate-adapted land use. In addition, a total of 78 measures are to be gradually implemented as part of an action program by 2030.

Responsibility for sustainable water management also lies at the municipal level. Local Agenda 21 processes are important here to strengthen water protection. However, the challenges cannot be ignored, especially due to inadequate information and public awareness about water protection.

In summary, it can be said that a variety of measures and strategies are being developed at both regional and national levels to ensure the sustainable water balance and protect water bodies for future generations. The success of these initiatives depends largely on the active participation of society and the responsible use of water resources. While developments progress, it remains important to keep the topics of water balance and water protection permanently in the social discourse.

For further information on the topic, please refer to the respective detail pages: Bauhaus University Weimar, Federal Environment Agency and Federal Environment Agency.