The city of Fulda and neighbouring municipalities of Eichenzell and Ebersburg have declared a water supply emergency, imposing immediate mandatory restrictions on residents and businesses as a prolonged drought strains the region's reserves.
Water consumption has surged roughly 40 percent above normal levels, while pumping stations already running around the clock cannot increase output further, according to RhönEnergie. The utility's managing director, Arnt Meyer, described the situation as more than strained. Deep well water levels are dropping significantly, and natural springs are yielding far less water due to exceptionally low rainfall over an extended period.
Under the new restrictions, watering lawns and gardens, filling pools and cisterns, washing cars, and using tap water for cooling or high-pressure cleaning are completely prohibited. Violators face fines.