Overview

• Recent measurements show groundwater at 80% of Saxony’s monitoring stations averaging 43% below monthly norms after one of the driest springs on record.
• Ministry officials expect to complete the drought and low-water management concept by spring 2026 to address projected conflicts over water use.
• The BUND environmental group warns that Saxony’s aquifers are being systematically overexploited in violation of EU water-framework obligations.
• Major consumers such as lignite mining and chemical production continue to pump vast volumes of groundwater, deepening regional deficits.
• A nationwide ISOE study finds 201 of 401 German districts withdraw more groundwater than can be naturally replenished, highlighting a broader scarcity challenge.