Overview

• Stadt Potsdam has banned all pumped water extractions from its lakes and rivers for irrigation from July 15 until October 10, 2025.
• The measure carves out exceptions for Stiftung Preußische Schlösser und Gärten gardens and public green spaces, which may only draw water outside the hours of 10:00 to 21:00.
• Recent readings at the Havel bei Ketzin and Nuthe bei Babelsberg gauges have fallen below critical thresholds of 12 and 1.8 cubic meters per second respectively.
• Since 2018 Potsdam has endured annual low-water events, and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research reports the driest first half of a year in over 130 years.
• Officials warn that any further large-scale pumping would threaten aquatic habitats and exacerbate ecological damage during the prolonged climate-driven drought.