Federal Environment Minister Schneider is calling for more investment in water infrastructure because of low water levels

Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider (SPD) has called on the federal states to invest more in water infrastructure in order to counter the consequences of low water levels. “The situation on the Rhine and Lake Constance is a dramatic burden, not only for nature, but also for the economy,” Schneider told the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger. Germany needs a different way of dealing with water.

The availability of water is a central factor for security and the economy, said Schneider. In his opinion, the federal states should invest a large part of the funds from the special fund in water infrastructure.

In past centuries, water policy consisted of draining water as quickly as possible and draining wet areas, said Schneider. Today the task is to keep water in the landscape as much as possible. “If the mountains and their glaciers cease to provide water, the rivers, floodplains, forests and soils will have to become even more water reservoirs.” This means, for example, “rewetting dry moors, giving rivers more space and converting forests into stable mixed forests.” The technical water infrastructure also needs to be made fit.

Federal Network Agency warns of impacts on energy supply

The Federal Network Agency warned that the low water levels could also affect the energy supply. "Due to the low water situation, inland waterway vessels can currently only supply the coal-fired power plants, especially in southern Germany, with reduced cargo capacities," a spokesman for the authority told the newspaper. However, this has so far had no impact on the availability of the power plants.

In September, historic low water levels were recorded in several places along the Rhine. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) expects possible economic damage amounting to billions due to this year's low water in the Rhine.

At a special conference on Monday in Berlin, Schneider wants to talk to EU Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall about possibilities for a new way of dealing with water. Representatives from countries, companies and associations will take part.