Low water situation

The Hof Water Management Office announces:

Due to the significantly insufficient rainfall in recent weeks, the current discharges at many watercourses are well below the mean low water discharge (MNQ). The entire region of Upper Franconia East is also affected. Further falls in water levels and even drying out are to be expected, particularly in smaller streams and in the upper reaches. There is no easing of the situation in sight.

Sufficient water flow is crucial for the ecological functioning of streams and rivers. Water abstraction causes additional stress for organisms that are already severely affected by rising water temperatures and reduced oxygen availability and therefore has a significant negative impact on aquatic ecosystems.

According to water legislation, water withdrawals are generally only permitted, even in the context of public or neighbouring use, as long as no significant impairment of the water body and its banks or of the flora and fauna is to be expected. Therefore, if there is insufficient water flow, especially from smaller watercourses of the third order, no water may be withdrawn on a regular basis during the given dry period. Water abstraction by means of a pump generally requires a licence under water law.

If a water permit for water abstraction is available, a minimum water flow in the watercourse must be ensured (the provisions of the respective permit must be observed!).

For the district of Hof, reference is made to the current prohibition of abstraction for the protection of the freshwater pearl mussel in the catchment areas of Zinnbach, Mähringsbach and Höllbach (general decree of the Hof district office dated 12/08/2020).

Current water levels at larger bodies of water can be found at www.nid.bayern.de or www.gkd.bayern.de