Restriction on water withdrawal from Friday

The lower water authority of the city of Jena informs that on 30.06.2023 the general decree on the restriction of water abstraction from surface waters in the city of Jena will come into force. This affects all watercourses, standing waters and springs with the exception of the Saale.

From then on, it will be generally prohibited to take water from water bodies, both with pumping vessels and with pumps. All water law permits issued for this purpose will be revoked for the duration of the general decree's validity. Only the drawing of water for watering livestock and the withdrawal of water for fire-fighting purposes by the fire department remains permitted.

Due to the controlled water supply from the Saale dams, water extraction from the Saale is currently still exempt from the prohibitions. However, the lower water authority points out that a permit under water law must be obtained to withdraw water using a pump.

Protection of the water ecosystem

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.

The lower water authority will carry out on-site inspections in the coming weeks and may also impose fines if it finds that the withdrawal ban has not been observed.

General ruling valid until 31.10.2023

The general order is initially valid until 31.10.2023. Should the situation ease in the meantime due to the occurrence of heavy rainfall, the withdrawal ban can also be lifted earlier. Otherwise, there is also the possibility of extending the validity of the general order if the drought continues. The city administration of Jena will provide information about this in good time in the official gazette, in the press and on the website.