Heatwave incoming: What you should know about water shortages in Germany

As another heatwave hits Germany, which regions are currently seeing water shortages, and where should residents be aware of existing drinking water restrictions?

Heatwave hits Germany today

A second major heatwave of summer 2026 is hitting Germany. According to the German Weather Service (DWD), temperatures are first expected to rise in the southwest before spreading to the rest of the country.

On Wednesday, temperatures are expected to reach 37 degrees celsius in Frankfurt, 36 degrees in Cologne, 35 degrees in Stuttgart, Nuremberg and Saarbrucken, 32 degrees in Munich, Leipzig and Bremen and 31 degrees in Berlin, Hamburg and Dresden. 

On Thursday, the northeast will see the highest temperatures, with 37 degrees in Berlin, Leipzig, Dresden and further south in Nuremberg. Across most parts of the country, temperatures will be between 33 and 36 degrees.

New map shows where water levels are low

As the heatwave sets in, Germany is still recovering from the late-June heatwave, during which all-time temperature records were broken. More regular, intense heatwaves caused by climate change mean water shortages are becoming more common.

During these heatwaves, demand for water increases significantly in a short time, causing water shortages. The late-June heatwave already caused water shortages in certain cities and regions. These shortages are likely to be compounded by the incoming heatwave.

But this time around, residents have a new resource for staying informed about low water levels. On July 15, the German government launched a nationwide information system to monitor water levels and better manage water resources.

The ​Low Water Information System (NIWIS) replaces a previous patchwork of regional information about water levels with consolidated data about river levels, groundwater and soil moisture across Germany. You can visit the NIWIS website to see whether there is currently a water shortage in your local area.

At the press conference launching NIWIS, Environment Minister Carsten Schneider explained that Germany had lost 60 billion cubic metres of water in the past 25 years due to climate change. Schneider added that unless more is done to reduce water shortages, scarcity is likely to cost Germany 25 billion euros every year and around 625 billion euros by 2050. 

Where in Germany are there currently drinking water restrictions?

In some regions and cities, water shortages mean drinking water restrictions are already in place. Since July 14, Munich residents have been forbidden from using drinking water to fill private swimming pools, water gardens, wash cars or pump water from lakes and rivers. Residents who break the ban face fines of up to 50.000 euros.

Munich authorities initially said the restriction would remain in place until August 1, but given the weather is only expected to get hotter, it is likely to be extended. You can find more information about the rules here and updates here.

According to Deutsche Welle, a further 80 municipalities across Germany have imposed limits on how drinking water can be used. In Brandenburg, restrictions will remain in place until the end of August. In Aschaffenburg, Bavaria, and Chemnitz, Saxony, residents have been banned from removing water from streams and rivers.