Water abstraction from streams and rivers currently prohibited
Due to the ongoing drought, the water levels in Chemnitz's waterways are currently very low. Complete drying out jeopardises water-dependent plants and animals. Low water levels and rising water temperatures reduce the oxygen content of the water. This reduces the self-cleaning capacity of the waters. As a result, more algae grow. Fish and microorganisms die. Pumping or draining water from streams exacerbates this situation.
According to the weather forecasts, large amounts of precipitation are still not expected. Localised rain showers and thundershowers are unlikely to help ease the low water situation.
In this context, the Lower Water Authority would like to point out that it is generally prohibited to extract water using pumping equipment and that this always requires authorisation from the Lower Water Authority. Drawing water with hand containers - so-called public use - which is normally permitted, should also be avoided. In the event of prolonged drought and correspondingly low water levels, even minor water withdrawals can have a detrimental effect on water ecology.
Water abstraction is then no longer covered by the rights of neighbours, owners and public use and is therefore not permitted.
Under no circumstances should streams be allowed to dry out as a result of water abstraction. This also applies to abstraction by owners and users of land adjacent to streams, allotment gardeners and allotment garden associations.
If violations are detected during water inspections, this can be punished as an administrative offence and result in a fine of between 1000 and 50,000 euros.
The current flow and water level data for the main watercourses of Chemnitz, Zwönitz and Würschnitz can be found on the website of the State Flood Centre(https://www.umwelt.sachsen.de/umwelt/infosysteme/hwims/portal/web/wasserstand-uebersicht).
The Lower Water Authority of the Environmental Agency is also available to answer questions about the applicable water legislation by telephone on 0371 488-3601 or by email at umwelt.wasser(at)stadt-chemnitz.de.