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Water level of 154 centimeters: the Thein near Cologne
Photo: Rolf Vennenbernd / dpa
The German Association of Towns and Municipalities warns of water shortages in some regions of Germany due to the drought.
"The problem is the drastic increase in water demand in industry, in agriculture, but also in private households," said managing director Gerd Landsberg of the "Handelsblatt".
Irrigating the garden and filling large pools with tap water can become a “real problem” in the summer months.
Lawn sprinklers distributed up to 800 liters of drinking water in one hour.
"That can push the supply infrastructure to its limits in some regions."
Private households should collect rainwater as far as possible, said Landsberg.
"In individual cases, municipal bans on use may also be necessary."
Lighter asphalt as a starting point
Landsberg called for "municipal heat action plans" to protect people from health hazards.
"We have to establish green climate oases in the cities." This includes, for example, investing in green roofs and facades, seating in a cool environment or, for example, so-called water misters.
"Considerations of replacing the black asphalt with lighter asphalt can also bring about temperature reductions," said Landsberg.
According to the German weather service, the heat wave that is currently persisting, especially in western and southern Europe, will also reach Germany at the beginning of the coming week.
On Tuesday, temperatures will reach over 35 degrees, in the west up to 40 degrees.
atb/dpa