Commission opts to halt the implementation of the plan.
In response to worsening drought conditions and heatwaves, several German cities and districts have imposed watering bans. These restrictions, which target activities like garden watering, are in effect until September 30 and are aimed at conserving water during dry periods.
Cities such as Hanover have enacted watering bans since June, with the ban applying to public and private green areas, including parks, sports facilities, gardens, agricultural land, and forests. The ban is triggered when the temperature reaches 27 degrees Celsius.
Under the watering ban, watering lawns, rose bushes, and other plants is prohibited during the day due to quick evaporation. Violations can result in a fine, with non-compliance leading to a penalty of up to 50,000 euros. It's important to note that fines can vary by city or state regulation.
The watering ban is not just limited to Hanover. Cities in Saxony-Anhalt have banned watering between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m., while North Rhine-Westphalia, Brandenburg, and Lower Saxony have also followed suit.
The decreased groundwater level is a concern for water conservation in Germany, with the issue stemming from insufficient winter snow and spring rain. Withdrawal of water from surface waters like streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, etc., is strictly prohibited.
Human consumption of water in Germany has continued to increase during the warm season, with Germans using more water for drinking, showering, and watering plants. The watering ban is intended to help conserve water resources and alleviate the strain on Germany's water supply.
Exemptions to watering bans often include watering newly planted trees or plants to ensure their establishment, use of water for essential purposes such as drinking water for animals, and sometimes, watering with collected rainwater or greywater might be permitted. However, these exemptions are usually determined by local watering ban policies.
While the exact amounts can vary by city or state regulation, watering bans generally come with penalties for violations to enforce compliance. Specific details on fines were not provided in the search results but typically, municipalities set fines to discourage watering outside allowed times.
Other cities aside from Hanover, such as those in Saxony-Anhalt, North Rhine-Westphalia, Brandenburg, and Lower Saxony, have also imposed watering bans, following the increasing concern for water conservation in Germany due to climate-change-induced droughts and heatwaves. These bans extend to both public and private green areas, including home-and-garden plants, and could potentially affect environmental-science projects that rely on adequate water supply. Lifestyle changes, like minimizing water usage, are crucial during these dry periods to avoid excessive fines for violations, which can reach up to 50,000 euros.
