Distribute Resources - Specialists predict a decline in underground water reserves following floods.
Torrential rains have left behind a noticeable impact on groundwater levels in Baden-Württemberg, with experts predicting an increase in the coming days. However, during the hydrological summer half-year (May to October), there's an expectation that less groundwater will be formed, leading to a decrease in groundwater levels, according to the latest report "Groundwater levels and spring discharges" from the State Environmental Agency Baden-Württemberg (LUBW), released on Tuesday. For now, there's no major issue with water supply.
News from around mid-November revealed that the conditions for groundwater recharge have been ideal. The experts explained that soil saturation is still allowing seepage into the groundwater. The groundwater recharge has surpassed long-term average benchmarks in wet May 2024. The groundwater levels have remained above average and reached unusual heights at a third of the monitoring locations. The monthly highs were surpassed at 11 out of 71 sites, as documented by Karlsruhe authorities. Over 80% of the measurement points show levels higher than in May 2023.
The LUBW uses multiple factors to understand and model the current scenario. These include soil moisture levels, meteorological data (temperature and precipitation), historical extreme values, the last seasonal course of the measurement points' historical data with statistical trend evaluation, groundwater recharge rates, and climate predictions. They tie these factors together to plan for the future.
