State governments view the federal government as being accountable for managing water resources.

Imminent safety measures - State governments view the federal government as being accountable for managing water resources.

Three eastern German states are urging the Federal Government to provide more assistance for future water management in Lusatia and the Berlin-Brandenburg Metropolitan Region. As lignite mining in Lusatia is planned to end by 2038, experts predict that the Spree river, vital for Berlin's drinking water supply, will carry substantially less water in the future.

To avoid jeopardizing the foundations of life or the ongoing regional transition, the prime ministers of Saxony, Brandenburg, and Berlin agreed on Friday during a meeting in the capital that prompt, collaborative, and sustainable action by politics, authorities, mining companies, and society is necessary.

Lignite coal-fired power generation in Lusatia has been and continues to be an essential part of Germany's dependable energy supply. As part of the coal phase-out, further changes to the water balance in Lusatia are anticipated. Considering this context, the Federal Government must step in and ensure the necessary adjustments to water management.

The Federal Environment Agency indicates that there could be severe water supply issues in the Berlin metropolitan area and along the Spree. With the cessation of lignite mining in Lusatia, the Spree may potentially carry up to 75% less water in some dry summer areas. The Agency advocates for water transfers from neighboring rivers, such as the Elbe, Lausitzer Neisse, and Oder, to the Spree. This could be implemented through pipes or tunnels in combination with water reservoirs.

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1. The Lusatia region, known for its lignite mining, is set to conclude mining activities by 2038, raising concerns about the water supply for Berlin's drinking water supply from the Spree river.
2. Experts have warned that the Spree river could carry up to 75% less water in certain dry summer areas after the lignite mining phase-out, causing potential water supply issues in the Berlin metropolitan region.
3. To mitigate these issues, the Federal Environment Agency suggests transferring water from neighboring rivers, such as the Elbe, Lausitzer Neisse, and Oder, to the Spree, which could be achieved through pipes or tunnels and water reservoirs.
4. The state governments of Saxony, Brandenburg, and Berlin have emphasized the need for prompt, collaborative, and sustainable action to address these water management challenges, involving politics, authorities, mining companies, and society.
5. The premature termination of lignite mining in Lusatia, a major contributor to Germany's energy supply, is anticipated to lead to further changes in the water balance.
6. German authorities should ensure that the necessary adjustments to water management are implemented during the coal phase-out, considering the dependency on water resources for nature conservation and resource-intensive industries in Lusatia and the Berlin-Brandenburg metropolitan region.
7. To ensure the long-term safety of the Berlin-Brandenburg metropolitan area's water resources, the federal government must take a proactive role in addressing the potential threats posed by the coal phase-out and lignite mining closure, with the support of local governments and stakeholders.

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