Amid extreme heat, water grows scarce around Berlin
Though the German state of Brandenburg that wraps around Berlin is getting drier, it is also home to thirsty industrial plants such as Tesla and Red Bull. Is there enough water to go around?
For years, residents of Baruth have noticed a decline in groundwater levels. The town, located about 60 kilometers south of Berlin, has seen more frequent watering of gardens and some trees drying out. Two beverage companies, Red Bull and Rauch, are planning to expand production in the area, even though they are situated in a water protection zone.
Red Bull and Rauch plan to build a new canning factory and additional facilities, with the company's groundwater extraction rights allowing them to use 92% of the water supply for their needs. However, the exact amount of water the companies consume is not publicly disclosed.
Hydrogeologist Irina Engelhardt from the Technical University in Berlin questions the accuracy of the current water availability estimates, citing outdated information in the 30-year-old contracts that govern water usage. She and a group of residents are advocating for an independent, transparent assessment of the water situation. Transparency remains a contentious issue, with residents questioning why the public is not granted access to all relevant data.
While Germany is not yet facing severe water scarcity, the overall water balance in the region is changing due to higher temperatures and increased evaporation. The mining sector, including Tesla's planned Gigafactory in Grünheide and a proposed large copper mine in Spremberg, could exacerbate the problem. These developments may lead to significant water shortages in the future, particularly during dry spells.
Artificial groundwater recharge is being considered as a potential solution to mitigate the impact on drinking water supplies.
Written by urgent.news from DW English (Top Stories)'s reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
