Two and a half weeks ago, in light of the critical situation facing our water bodies, the district administration already warned against drawing water and urged the public to use water resources sparingly. Now, further action is required.
“Due to the prolonged drought and weeks of insufficient rainfall, water levels in the waterways of the Birkenfeld National Park District have dropped to very low levels,” explained Roland Praetorius, the official in charge: “The first smaller bodies of water in the Birkenfeld National Park District have already dried up.” Since there are no signs that the situation will improve, there is no alternative to minimizing the impact on the water and natural ecosystems.
The only exceptions are the withdrawal of water by emergency responders in the event of a fire, watering livestock directly from the water body, and authorized uses such as existing permits, formal authorizations, and historic rights.
The full text of the general ruling, including the rationale, is available on the Birkenfeld district’s website at www.landkreis-birkenfeld.de.