Climate change endangers water supplies: experts warn of bottlenecks!

Climate change endangers water supplies: experts warn of bottlenecks!

On April 11, 2025, experts and decision-makers from the water industry gathered in Trier for the 9th Water Management Law Day to discuss the current challenges related to water resources and climate change. The focus was on concerns about the effects of climate change on water supplies in Germany, particularly in Rhineland-Palatinate. Since the beginning of spring 2025, many regions have suffered from extreme drought and warmth, leading to a dramatic decline in water resources. The Rhine has experienced extremely low water levels and the top layers of soil have dried out due to the ongoing lack of precipitation.

Katrin Eder, State Minister for Climate Protection, Environment, Energy and Mobility in Rhineland-Palatinate, emphasized the urgency of adaptation measures. She emphasized the importance of a secure water supply and referred to the “Aktion Blau+” program, which serves to protect water resources. In this context, the state is working closely with the Institute for German and European Water Management Law to develop solutions and overcome the challenges posed by climate change, as reported at the event.

An interdisciplinary approach

The discussion at the water management law day also included legal aspects of water supply. Experts like Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Wollenschläger from the University of Augsburg dealt with the constitutional and Union law basis for state distribution decisions in the water sector. At the same time, Dr. Jörgrechnerberg from the Federal Environment Agency presented the progress in the implementation of the federal government's national water strategy. This strategy is intended to help respond to changing hydrological conditions caused by climate change.

A central topic was the tension between ecological goals and the necessary adaptation measures, which was discussed by Prof. Dr. Moritz Reese from the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research was discussed. These conflicts between different interests, such as economic use and the needs of the communities, were also discussed by Prof. Dr. Judith Froese from the University of Konstanz addressed us. She discussed the challenges arising from ownership and use interests in water bodies.

Outlook on the water management in Rhineland-Palatinate

The state government has taken measures to adapt to the changes in the water regime in Rhineland-Palatinate caused by climate change. The future water plan currently being developed, the first draft of which was recently presented, is a central initiative. The process of adopting the plan covers not only the technical but also the social dimension of water management. The aim is to integrate the concerns of all affected actors, which is reflected in the numerous statements received.

In this context, future-oriented solutions were also discussed, which include a special procedure for balancing competing water uses. Although regulated by law, this procedure has so far been little used. This could become necessary in view of the increasing water shortage, as expert Professor Tobias Licha from the University of Bochum notes. Licha emphasizes that the water supply in Germany reaches its limits in hot summers and recommends sustainable extraction only to the extent that the rainfall is sufficient.

The increase in droughts and falling groundwater levels observed in Rhineland-Palatinate and throughout Germany suggest a potential water struggle in the future. Against this background, adaptation strategies are essential not only to enable a secure water supply, but also to reconcile the diverse interests in this valuable commodity. Experts emphasize that public water supplies and community obligations in particular play a central role in overcoming these challenges.