Low water levels force ban on water extraction from Ems River in Germany

Water extraction from the Ems River has been banned by the Münster district government to protect aquatic life amid critically low water levels. The prohibition, effective since Saturday, prevents activities such as pumping water and applies to the districts of Steinfurt, Warendorf, and the city of Münster.

Starting Monday, the ban will extend to rivers in the Rhineland region, including the Sieg, Agger, Rur, and Erft in the Cologne district, as well as the Wupper in the Cologne and Düsseldorf districts. The district government in Cologne cited insufficient rainfall over recent weeks as the cause, noting that current water levels are typical for late summer.

The ban on the Ems is initially in place until the end of October, with ongoing assessments for potential lifting or modification. The Rhineland ban is set to last until September 30. Authorities expect the Ems to have sufficient water flow by October. Hand-drawing water and watering livestock are still permitted. Non-compliance could result in fines of up to 50,000 euros.