Protecting our groundwater: Important lecture in Greifswald!

Protecting our groundwater: Important lecture in Greifswald!

On Monday, May 26, 2025, there will be a lecture by Prof. Dr. in the Citizens' Hall of the Greifswald Town Hall. Andre Banning will take place. This is part of the lecture series “University in the Town Hall” and deals with the topic “Invisible basis of life: research and protection of our groundwater”. Admission to this event is free and is organized jointly by the city of Greifswald and the University of Greifswald. Anyone interested is warmly invited to learn more about the essential importance of groundwater.

Groundwater is one of the most important freshwater resources for humanity. A large part of the drinking water supply in Germany, almost 70%, is obtained from groundwater; in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania it is even around 85%. However, this resource is increasingly threatened by overexploitation, contamination and the effects of climate change. Pollutant substances such as nitrate, arsenic and uranium pose major challenges for water quality. The lecture will also deal with these topics and regional examples of pollution, as well as the role of peatlands in groundwater quality.

Climate change and its consequences

Climate change is already having a noticeable impact on water availability in Germany. The dry year 2018 in particular represented a comprehensive stress test for the water supply. Long dry periods and high temperatures led to an increase in water demand and, at times, to record levels in daily water consumption. Representatives of various water suppliers discussed the challenges of this year as part of a DVGW discourse. The results make it clear that there is a need for action to improve security of supply in order to be able to react better to future extreme climatic events. This also includes the need to clarify responsibilities and better coordination between water suppliers and municipalities in order to improve emergency preparedness.

A research project by the Federal Environment Agency, WADKlim, offers solutions for water management and aims to support the German adaptation strategy to climate change. This project highlights the complex causes of water scarcity, ranging from climatic conditions to water quality problems and increased water withdrawals for agriculture. Region-specific measures such as long-distance water pipeline systems have already been taken to ensure water availability. Nevertheless, it is clear that future water scarcity is a complex problem that is difficult to predict and that further adaptation measures are required.

Sustainability and future strategies

To address the challenges of water scarcity, sustainable water use strategies need to be expanded. Suggestions include improved water retention, water efficiency and the implementation of adaptation measures. Political decision-makers are called upon to integrate these solution strategies into their decision-making processes to ensure an equitable distribution of water resources. In addition, missing data on water use should be collected regularly in order to improve the transparency and comparability of the studies.

Increasing the consideration of natural ecosystems within the overall water management approach could also be crucial in order to minimize future conflicts of use. In particular, water reuse in urban areas, for example for irrigation of green areas, offers an important option for action. However, the success of these initiatives depends on the creation of legal and institutional frameworks as well as new infrastructural solutions.

The upcoming lecture by Prof. Dr. Banning will not only address current challenges to groundwater supply, but also point out how important it is to take measures to protect and preserve our invisible basis for life. Further information about the lecture series can be found on the University of Greifswald website here.