From Friday, the city of Chemnitz is banning the extraction of water from above-ground bodies of water in the city area. It is forbidden to take water "with technical aids" for personal use, according to a statement from the city. This includes pumps with pipes and hoses as well as hand containers, it continues. According to the city, any water withdrawals could currently lead to an impairment of the water balance and a further significant reduction in water levels. The ban is valid up to and including October 31.
Current conditions are a danger for animals and plants
The reason for this is that water levels are too low across the city. According to the report, the current water levels are below the long-term "average low water discharge" and "below the ecologically necessary
minimum discharge". The precipitation values are also below the long-term average, it continues. Localized rain showers and thunderstorms have done little to ease the situation.
Low water levels and rising water temperatures have led to a drop in the oxygen content of the water. Plants and
animals are endangered as a result. Algae are growing, fish and microorganisms are dying,
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