Munich Administrative Court Rejects Urgent Applications Against Water-Saving Decree
Munich, July 29, 2026 – The Munich Administrative Court has rejected two urgent applications filed by garden owners challenging the city’s general decree on water saving. The court upheld the city’s restrictions, which include a general ban on watering lawns and specific times for watering flowerbeds, citing the city’s right to ensure a prudent use of water amid increased consumption.
The urgent applications were filed by two Munich garden owners who argued that the restrictions were disproportionate and lacked a legal basis. However, the responsible chamber concluded that “the challenged parts of the general decree on water saving are likely lawful.” The court emphasized that the city could rely on the general duties of care outlined in the Water Resources Act, which stipulate a mandatory economical use of water for everyone.
Restrictions Deemed Proportionate and Temporary
The court found the restrictions to be proportionate, especially since they are time-limited and only affect “fringe areas of drinking water use.” The decree does not impact the essential supply of drinking water for citizens and households, such as for drinking, food preparation, or personal hygiene. The court highlighted that these vital uses remain unaffected by the current regulations.
The rulings are not yet legally binding. The applicants have two weeks to appeal to the Bavarian Administrative Court. The general decree is set to expire on August 1, but the city has indicated that it could be extended if necessary. A spokesperson for the Department of Climate and Environmental Protection stated yesterday that “the state capital Munich is closely monitoring the situation and will decide on further action depending on how the situation develops.”
City to Upgrade Decorative Fountains to Conserve Water
In a related development, the Munich City Council has approved a budget of 900,000 Euros to upgrade decorative fountains with better control technology. Over the next three years, at least 30 high-water-consumption fountains are slated for modernization. The city hopes to save up to 300,000 liters of water per day with the new technology.
Currently, the ten most water-intensive of the 200 municipal decorative fountains have been switched off since early July. The Fischbrunnen (Fish Fountain) on Marienplatz, also shut down since early July, is expected to be retrofitted during the current fountain season. Ten other fountains are scheduled for technical upgrades next year.
The water-saving measures were initially introduced two weeks ago due to significantly increased water consumption. Penalties for violations of the decree can be as high as 50,000 Euros. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the city to manage water resources effectively, especially in light of ongoing drought conditions and rising temperatures.
The city’s proactive stance on water conservation reflects a growing awareness of environmental challenges and the need for sustainable practices. By implementing both immediate restrictions and long-term technological upgrades, Munich aims to ensure the continued availability of this vital resource for its residents and environment.
Source: https://www.br.de/nachrichten/bayern/eilantraege-gegen-muenchner-wasserverfuegung-abgelehnt,VQlcEDt
