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Summer in Berlin: The city advises against watering the garden during the day and recommends showering instead of bathing
Photo: Christophe Gateau / dpa
»Everyone thirsts for water«: The city of Berlin wants to react to the current extreme drought and the accelerating climate change with »forward-looking strategies«.
In addition to investments, this also includes saving water, said Environment Senator Bettina Jarasch (Greens) and the water company in a joint statement.
"Berlin has been supplied with its own groundwater for over 100 years, and we will have to do something to ensure that it stays that way," said Jarasch.
The CEO of Wasserbetriebe, Frank Bruckmann, assured that Berlin's drinking water supply would be safe again this summer.
"We don't have any problems with the city's normal water requirements," said Bruckmann, "but we are worried about the ever-longer summer peak times."
Gardens should not be watered during the day and pools should be covered because of evaporation.
Rinse water without soap can be used for watering, short showers are better than baths.
Saving water also saves electricity
At the same time, with every cubic meter of water saved, electricity is also saved, said Jarasch, referring to the high energy requirements of the waterworks, for example for providing and cleaning the water.
"Those who save water and especially hot water act most effectively," said the Green politician.
So far, bans have not been planned, said Jarasch.
As a last resort, however, they are conceivable.
»We are currently checking whether what we have in terms of legal options is sufficient.«
fek/dpa