The concept of compensating for climatically induced increases in heavy precipitation events and dry periods in watercourse management has no specific basis in current law. EU, federal and state regulations contain only general principles and isolated regulatory approaches for the management and protection of water bodies, but not a coherent legal concept for integrated precipitation and drought management. Most importantly, it cannot contribute to moderating the currently intensifying water use conflicts during summer droughts.
However, the traditional regulatory approach of the Federal Water Resources Act is generally aimed at protecting the water balance and the use of water bodies by humans from harmful impacts and, to this end, pursues the concept of state-responsible, economical management of the natural water supply.
Thus, the currently applicable provisions of water and environmental law provide a structurally suitable basis for the implementation of the joint project, but require specific interpretation and application, and possibly also further development by the legislature.
Socio-economic aspects in SpreeWasser:N
Against the background of a projected decrease in Spree River discharge and the resulting competition for water use, impacts on societal resource use and economic development are to be expected. As part of a socio-economic assessment, all direct as well as indirect water uses are first identified and systematically documented. Direct water uses primarily include withdrawals by industry, agriculture, and households. Indirect water uses are those that do not withdraw water themselves but depend on the availability of sufficient water quantity and quality, as well as intact water-dependent ecosystems, such as tourism and recreational activities.
Regional development plans provide information on expected and potential socio-economic developments in the study area of the Lower Spree. Based on current water uses, different development scenarios can be devised, starting from a “business-as-usual” scenario. In the development of these scenarios, possible goal conflicts and differing stakeholder perspectives—including varying perceptions of future risks and competition for water use—can be taken into account.
