A participatory campaign by ARD highlights the poor condition of many small rivers in Germany, revealing concerning pollution levels despite some localized healthy streams like the Queich. Research from the Helmholtz Center shows that three-quarters of streams surveyed lack proper habitats for aquatic life. The campaign, supported by various organizations, aims to gather public observations and calls for better environmental management and funding to restore water quality, especially in light of climate-related water shortages.
Numerous small rivers and streams across Germany are facing significant environmental issues, as evidenced by thousands of photos and reports contributed by both adults and children through the ARD participatory initiative #unsereFlüsse.
Werner Kirsch, an avid fisherman, shares that the Queich River in Offenbach, located in the southwestern Palatinate, appears relatively healthy. In his feedback for the ARD campaign, he notes, ‘The Queich meanders beautifully,’ emphasizing its winding path through lush alluvial forests and varied water depths, which support diverse aquatic life.
Kirsch points out that many areas along the banks of the Queich are lined with trees, which help filter out pollutants from the surrounding area. However, he has also observed an increase in litter, including toilet paper and plastic bottles, asserting that he has retrieved entire shopping baskets from the water. Due to these pollution concerns, he has opted to stop fishing in this section of the Queich: ‘Fish living in polluted water are affected. I don’t want to consume something like that.’
Insights from the ARD Participatory Campaign
Werner Kirsch’s observations are among the thousands collected by a research team at the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research in Leipzig (UfZ) through the ARD #unsereFlüsse campaign. Researchers Aletta Bonn and Julia von Gönner have analyzed the initial 2,700 assessments submitted by participants.
The campaign focuses on smaller streams and rivers since comprehensive data is often lacking for these water bodies, unlike the better-documented large rivers such as the Rhine or Moselle.
Launched in May, the campaign asked the question, “What is the state of our streams?” with calls for participation from tagesthemen host Jessy Wellmer and various organizations, including the German Association of Cities and the Federal Environment Agency. The collaborative checklist developed by the ARD and UfZ evaluates water clarity, odor, the state of riverbanks, and encourages additional comments about local waterways. This initiative stems from the crowd science project FLOW, which examines citizen science’s role in monitoring water quality.
Recent studies indicate that 80% of streams in Germany exceed the permitted levels for pesticides.
Concerning Conditions for Streams
The findings from the evaluations reveal a troubling trend: three out of four streams assessed fail to provide suitable habitats for fish and insects, and their banks are vulnerable to pollution. Many streams have been straightened, as observed at another section of the Queich. The lack of shrubs, bushes, and trees in these areas increases the risk of agricultural runoff. Researcher von Gönner expresses concern, stating, ‘Over 75% of the streams surveyed show signs of inadequate habitat quality, which is quite alarming.’
According to the EU Water Framework Directive, all waterways should be restored to a healthy state by 2027, yet experts consider this target nearly unattainable. A recent report from the European Environment Agency (EEA) highlights that most lakes and rivers in Europe are polluted, with only one-third in good or very good condition.
Bonn emphasizes that it is the responsibility of politicians to restore good ecological conditions for smaller streams in Germany and across the EU. The ARD campaign illustrates the public’s commitment: ‘Politicians need to harness this enthusiasm and foster collaboration, as there is ample local knowledge and national support for stream conservation efforts.’
Call for Enhanced Water Management
In response to the campaign’s outcomes, the German Association of Cities advocates for increased funding and clearer regulations regarding water management. They emphasize that extreme summer heat has exacerbated regional and seasonal water shortages, highlighting that both stream and groundwater resources must be managed carefully.
To facilitate urban redevelopment and implement climate adaptation strategies, the Association is urging an expansion of funding opportunities. Additionally, they propose stricter regulations regarding water extraction reporting and approvals. A comprehensive understanding of water withdrawals at the municipal level is essential for timely intervention, according to the Association. They also support standardized fees for commercial water users; currently, fees vary across 13 of the 16 federal states, complicating the regulatory landscape.
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