General decree on the water withdrawal ban in Jena comes into force

The lower water authority of the city of Jena informs that the general decree on the restriction of water abstraction from surface waters in the city of Jena came into force on September 5, 2025. It was published in the official gazette of the city of Jena.

It is then forbidden to withdraw water from all watercourses, standing waters and springs using both pumping vessels and pumps. All water law permits issued for this purpose will be revoked for the duration of the validity of the general decree. Only the drawing of water for watering livestock remains permitted.

Due to the controlled water supply from the Saale dams, water extraction from the Saale is currently still exempt from the prohibition. However, the Jena Lower Water Authority would like to point out that a permit under water law must be obtained to withdraw water using a pump.

Employees of the lower water authority in Jena will monitor compliance with the withdrawal ban on site. A fine may be imposed if non-compliance is detected.

The general order is valid indefinitely. This is due to the low water situation that has persisted since February/March 2025. The winter half-year 2024/2025 was already significantly too dry and the rainfall in April and July of this year has not been able to increase the discharge significantly or in the long term. The current low water situation is also to be classified as drastic due to the existing dry to exceptionally dry soils across the board.

If the situation eases in the longer term due to the occurrence of long or abundant rainfall, the withdrawal ban can be lifted.

The city administration of Jena will provide information about this in good time in the official gazette, in the press and on the website.

The withdrawal ban is intended to protect the water ecosystem as a habitat for plants, animals and microorganisms, which is significantly damaged and permanently disturbed by permanently low water levels or the drying up of water bodies.

Further information can be found in the low water portal of the Free State of Thuringia.

Finally, we appeal to all citizens to use the precious commodity "water" sparingly.