This National Water Strategy brings together water-related measures across all relevant sectors: agriculture and nature conservation, administration and transport, urban development and industry. It aims at mobilising and combining all stakeholders to take the crucial steps necessary to meet the long-term challenges for water management and water resources as well as for waterways. The Strategy outlines a clear vision for the future and identifies the need for action and measures for sustainability and preservation of the natural foundations of life. The Strategy describes the role of water in different sectors and provides for precautionary measures as a public service; for plants and animals; and for future generations. The National Water Strategy primarily focuses on challenges and the measures needed for the protection and use of inland waters and groundwater. The Strategy addresses marine protection only in relation to the measures needed in the catchment areas of inland waterways that drain into the seas to ensure that marine protection goals are met. The vision of the Strategy is set for the protection of natural water resources and the sustainable use of water in times of global transformation in all areas of life and the economy in Germany for the benefit of people and the environment. The mission of the Strategy presents observation of the precautionary principle and the polluter pays principle and guaranteeing drinking water supply and wastewater disposal for people living in urban and rural areas. The Strategy further describes use of water for energy sustainability and protection of animals, and the environment. The Strategy is designed in 3 major parts that address the following issues: motivation for and foundations of the Strategy; challenges, vision and transformation to sustainable water management; and program of water measures. Its key goals are: High-quality and affordable drinking water is readily available at all times everywhere in Germany; Water bodies and our groundwater are clean; The semi-natural water regime is more resilient and has been restored; Wastewater disposal reflects the polluter-pays principle; The water supply infrastructure and water use are adapted to the impacts of the climate crisis. Water legislation will be further developed in line with the National Water Strategy. To this end, the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) is drafting an amendment to the Federal Water Act (WHG) and other water-related regulations.
Alemania · 2023-03-15