Water
Careful, economical management of water and the elimination of water pollution are key aspects of Baden-Württemberg’s environmental policy.
Drinking water is our most important natural resource and the field of water management consequently deserves very special attention. Around 75% of the drinking water provided by water utilities and around 30% of the water needs of industry in Baden-Württemberg are met from groundwater sources. Designated water protection zones in which restrictions are placed on the use of water lay the foundations for good water quality. Data on the volume and quantity of groundwater are collected and evaluated at around 2,700 measuring points in the state measurement network.
Around 40,000 km of streams and rivers are the lifeblood of the Baden-Württemberg’s 35,752 km² of countryside. Baden-Württemberg has over 4,500 lakes, of which the most important is Lake Constance with 536 km².
The quality of water has been significantly improved in recent decades thanks to an extensive network of sewage plants which dispose of waste and treat waste water.
After thaws or heavy storms there is a danger of lakes inundating nearby communities. In recent years the State of Baden-Württemberg has invested substantial financial resources in flood protection measures (e.g. for dykes and flood control basins). It has also drawn up flood danger maps to better evaluate current risks of flooding and the means available for protecting against floods. This is important for local and regional planning, for responding to risks and providing civil protection for those potentially threatened by flooding. The flood warning centre based at the Landesanstalt für Umwelt, Messungen und Naturschutz Baden-Württemberg (LUBW) [State Agency for Environment, Measurements and Nature Conservation Baden-Württemberg] provides information about current dangers.
Other LinksState Agency for Environment, Measurements and Nature Conservation Baden-Württemberg
Drinking water is our most important natural resource and the field of water management consequently deserves very special attention. Around 75% of the drinking water provided by water utilities and around 30% of the water needs of industry in Baden-Württemberg are met from groundwater sources. Designated water protection zones in which restrictions are placed on the use of water lay the foundations for good water quality. Data on the volume and quantity of groundwater are collected and evaluated at around 2,700 measuring points in the state measurement network.
Around 40,000 km of streams and rivers are the lifeblood of the Baden-Württemberg’s 35,752 km² of countryside. Baden-Württemberg has over 4,500 lakes, of which the most important is Lake Constance with 536 km².
The quality of water has been significantly improved in recent decades thanks to an extensive network of sewage plants which dispose of waste and treat waste water.
After thaws or heavy storms there is a danger of lakes inundating nearby communities. In recent years the State of Baden-Württemberg has invested substantial financial resources in flood protection measures (e.g. for dykes and flood control basins). It has also drawn up flood danger maps to better evaluate current risks of flooding and the means available for protecting against floods. This is important for local and regional planning, for responding to risks and providing civil protection for those potentially threatened by flooding. The flood warning centre based at the Landesanstalt für Umwelt, Messungen und Naturschutz Baden-Württemberg (LUBW) [State Agency for Environment, Measurements and Nature Conservation Baden-Württemberg] provides information about current dangers.
Other LinksState Agency for Environment, Measurements and Nature Conservation Baden-Württemberg
