Overview

• The Rappbodetalsperre currently holds about 67.9 million cubic meters of water, roughly 65 percent of its usual summer capacity of 81 million.
• Other Harz dams range from just over 40 percent full at the Okertalsperre to about 69 percent at smaller reservoirs, leaving exposed shoreline areas.
• Heavy July precipitation slowed the normal summer decline in water levels but did not significantly boost reservoir inflows.
• Water officials say raw water supply and quality will remain secured through next year even if no additional inflows occur.
• Without substantial winter recharge, the Rappbodetalsperre could drop to around 45 million cubic meters by year-end, a level reached only in two or three summers over the past two decades.