Munich Implements Mandatory Water-Saving Measures Amid Rising Consumption
Munich, July 14, 2026 – The City of Munich has today issued a general decree to regulate the use of drinking water, the extraction of groundwater, and the withdrawal of water from surface waters. This decision comes as water consumption in the Bavarian capital has once again significantly increased, necessitating immediate and compulsory conservation efforts.
The decree prohibits several water-intensive activities, including washing vehicles outside of commercial car washes, watering lawns, and pumping water from lakes, rivers, and ditches. Recently, daily water consumption surged to over 360 million liters, considerably higher than the typical average of 300 million liters. Despite forecasts of thunderstorms and rain in the coming days, these precipitations are not expected to be sufficient to alleviate the current water situation.
Mayor Orders Water Strategy Development
Mayor Dominik Krause has instructed the Department for Climate and Environmental Protection (RKU) and the municipal utility company (SWM) to develop a comprehensive water strategy. This initiative aims to ensure Munich’s long-term water supply in the face of changing climatic conditions, including prolonged droughts and heatwaves.
Mayor Krause stated, “Water consumption has risen sharply in recent days. Following an exceptionally dry winter and spring, Munich’s water supply resources are currently under immense strain. In consultation with SWM and RKU, I have therefore decided to implement further, mandatory savings measures. I urge all Munich residents to adhere to these rules so that groundwater levels can recover. Water is our most precious resource; let us handle it with care.”
SWM Expands Water-Saving Order Beyond City Limits
Dr. Florian Bieberbach, Chairman of the SWM Management Board, announced that SWM is issuing a supplementary water-saving order. This order extends the regulations beyond the city limits to encompass the entire water supply network, including surrounding communities and districts. “We thank everyone for already reducing their water usage and ask the public and businesses to continue: completely avoid unnecessary water consumption and reduce your overall water usage so that we can all get through this tense situation well,” said Dr. Bieberbach.
Overview of New Water Usage Regulations:
- Prohibition of Filling Private Pools and Water Features: The extraction of water for filling and operating private pools, bathing ponds, private fountains, water play facilities, water containers (e.g., barrels), and similar installations is forbidden.
- Restricted Garden Watering: Watering, irrigating, and sprinkling of house and allotment gardens (e.g., shrubs, hedges, perennials, flowerbeds, ornamental plants, etc.) is prohibited between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM, unless for commercial or public use. Drip irrigation, which conserves water, is exempt from this time restriction. Agricultural and forestry areas, as well as cemeteries, are also exempt.
- Ban on Lawn Watering: Watering, irrigating, and sprinkling of lawns and other green spaces is prohibited, unless for commercial or public use. Sports fields are specifically exempt from this restriction.
- Vehicle Washing Restrictions: Washing vehicles outside of commercial car washes is prohibited, unless required for reasons of public safety and order (e.g., emergency vehicles).
- Construction Site Dust Control: Moistening construction roads and sites to reduce dust development is prohibited, unless mandated by official regulations.
- Cleaning of Surfaces: Hosing down or watering (e.g., with high-pressure cleaners, brushes) terraces, walls, streets, courtyards, paths, roofs, and non-commercial technical installations by private individuals is prohibited.
- Surface Water Extraction Ban: The extraction of water from surface waters within the city of Munich for the aforementioned purposes is completely prohibited. Exceptions to this ban include common use according to Art. 18 BayWG (such as scooping with hand vessels), water extraction for livestock, agricultural needs, and extractions where the water is completely returned to the body of water (particularly thermal uses).
A corresponding general decree has been issued by the Lower Water Authority of the City of Munich and published online. The decree is effective immediately until August 1, 2026, unless revoked earlier. An extension of this period is possible if drought conditions persist.
The City of Munich warns that violations of these regulations can result in fines of up to 50,000 euros, in accordance with the Water Resources Act.
Source: City of Munich, Department for Climate and Environmental Protection (RKU), Stadtwerke München (SWM)
