National Water Strategy
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National Water Strategy
A crisis-proof strategy for Germany's water
Water is the basis for all life and an indispensable resource for humans and the environment. However, our water resources are increasingly coming under pressure. Periods of heat and drought, heavy rain and flood events will become increasingly frequent as a result of the climate crisis. This is the new reality we have to deal with. That is why we are investing in our future today. With the National Water Strategy, together we will achieve the water transition – transforming water management in Germany. We want to ensure that access to water remains secure and affordable everywhere, in future too.
The water sector in Germany is also facing huge challenges in water conservation and the modernisation and adaptation of its infrastructure. The National Water Strategy provides a framework for modern water management in Germany and systematically ensures that water resources are used more responsibly because "We protect what we value: water". To this end, the BMUV is launching a campaign in 2024 based on three visions of water for Germany:
- A secure supply of drinking water – access to affordable water anytime and anywhere, also in the year 2050
- Water storage – in rural and urban areas
- Restoration of semi-natural water regimes – nature-based solutions to prevent flooding
Campaign spots
National Water Strategy
On the road to sustainable water management
The water strategy covers the time period up to 2050. To reach the set goals, it relies on a combination of funding, incentives, legal provisions, knowledge building and dialogue. For ten strategic issues, it describes how our approach to water can be viable for the future. In addition, in cooperation with the federal states, municipalities and other stakeholders, we are gradually implementing a programme comprising 78 specific measures.
Background information on the National Water Strategy
For the first time, the National Water Strategy brings together water-related measures across all relevant sectors: agriculture and nature conservation, administration and transport, urban development and industry. Also for the first time, all stakeholders are on board: the federal government, the federal states and municipalities and all economic sectors and groups that use water.
#WaterInAllPolicies means putting water centre stage in a range of policy areas with direct or indirect links to water. This is the only way to achieve the water transition necessary to make us water resilient in the face of the climate crisis and other challenges, and to permanently meet our need for a reliable water supply. Because "we protect what we value: water".
Publication National Water Strategy
International water policy
International water policy
At international level, improved international cooperation on the protection and sustainable management of water resources is urgently needed to protect the human right to clean drinking water and sanitation, and to ensure a clean environment for all. The BMUV is committed to strengthening international water policy.
