This cooperation agreement regulates the overarching cooperation on joint management principles for river basin management in the Upper Havel area from the Müritz to Berlin.
With the help of water management models, both the current and future water supply should be compared with the current and future water demand," according to the agreement.
In addition, possibilities for river basin management with regard to deficiency situations in reservoirs and lakes are to be determined. The aim is to agree management principles on the basis of the results in order to manage the Upper Havel catchment area jointly and in a coordinated manner, taking into account the overall system and the respective interests.
New requirements for the management of available water resources are arising, particularly as a result of climate-related effects with expected decreasing water volumes and an increased demand for water, for example for water supply and wastewater disposal as well as for agriculture and industry.
The need for increased and coordinated cooperation also became clear in 2022, which was too warm and too dry. The prolonged period of low water in the Upper Havel resulted in restrictions on various uses"
Comprehensive and early measures were taken with regard to shipping, such as organising collective locks or closing weirs. Closing sluices, reducing groundwater recharge and shifting water pumping to other waterworks prevented the water level in the Spandau reservoir from dropping any further.
In order to explain the hydrological situation in the Upper Havel area in detail and coordinate possible further measures, working meetings were held last year between the federal states and the federal government. A wide range of factors were discussed, including the situation in the lakes and reservoirs, expected precipitation and the effects of possible measures.
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Christian Tiedt
Editor Travel
