IMAGO / Rainer Weisflog
The Environmental Ministry announced on Tuesday that the second phase of the low-water management plan has been launched due to ongoing droughts. Minimum flow rates cannot be maintained and water reserves are lacking in the central Spree region, further measures are necessary to stabilise the river.
According to the information provided, phase two of the low-water concept includes closing the locks, gradually lowering water levels in reservoirs and preparing for a ban on surface-water withdrawals from the Spree.
Maria-Magdalena Garnitz, a spokesperson for the Ministry of the Environment’s low-water task force, said that water levels in individual river sections in the central Spree region are to be lowered “carefully” to the target water level. This lower target water level, however, will still ensure the continued use of the waterways in the Spreewald.
Several locks in the Lower Spreewald region that divert water from the Spree River are scheduled to be closed at the end of the week.