Difficult navigation on Lake Constance due to low water levels

Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy Link Lake Constance, a renowned tourist attraction, has been marred by a mineral scarcity all too familiar in the aftermath of the extended dry spell. The latest wave of sparse rainfall and dwindling snow has forced the lake's water level to plummet to record lows, subsequently impeding navigation.

As a consequence of the ongoing drought and the snow dearth in the Alps, Lake Constance’s water level sinks further. The scanty precipitation and melting snow are the primary suspects. With no precipitation forecasted in the foreseeable future, the water level might continue to wane. The Untersee, Lake Constance's western part, has already witnessed one of its harbors drying up completely.

The receding line between the land and the water is evident in various areas of Lake Constance. For instance, Lindau's diminutive isle, Hoy, is now a brisk walk away from the Bavarian shore—merely 100 meters away. In Konstanz and other parts of the lake, the water level hovers at a precarious 2.70 meters.

"At present, the water level is 35 centimeters lower than the seasonal norm for this specific period," informed the environmental agency in Baden-Württemberg's PR officer. Although not an all-time low, the terminal point of the lowest water level is usually recorded in the winter season. The previous low point was marked in 2006, on February 15, at 2.29 meters—a 43 centimeter difference from the current level.

Multiple Origins

Minimal rainfall and insufficient snowmelt from the Alps have been contributing factors to the dwindling water levels. Specifically, the Rhine catchment area has experienced less snowfall, which streams into Lake Constance. Consequently, larger vessels on the Rhine haul less cargo due to the unusually shallow waters.

"Weather Worrisome" Federal Environment Minister's Concerns

Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke voiced her apprehension regarding the situation, elaborating, "The present scenario, marked by a lack of rainfall and snow, is a serious concern. Many areas in Germany are witnessing an unprecedented lack of rain and snowmelt from the Alps.”

According to Germany’s Weather Service, there's no precipitation on the horizon. However, a brief respite could materialize by Sunday, with scattered showers predicted, as stated by a DWD meteorologist.

Pleasure Boat Hurdles

The low water level presents challenges for the "White Fleet," Lake Constance's pleasure boats. Launch difficulties leave several harbors incapable of accommodating these watercraft at the commencement of the upcoming season. Due to the inadequate water depth, ships won't be able to dock in Langenargen, Immenstaad, and Bad Schachen, according to a spokesperson for the Lake Constance Ship Operating Company (BSB). Nevertheless, passenger ship operators anticipate minimal disruption as they often confront low water levels during this time of year, the spokesperson added.

The low water levels pose no threat to the provision of drinking water. "We tap water from a depth of 70 meters, rendering us shielded from the volatile water levels," the Lake Constance Water Supply Association's representative stated, addressing queries about the issue. The low water levels also appear innocuous to the aquatic life in Lake Constance, as per the Fisheries Research Institute in Langenargen.

Sources: ntv.de, raf/dpa

Lake Constance
Climate Change and its Impact
Tourism Industry
Navigation

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The community policy should address the economic troubles arising from the ongoing low water levels at Lake Constance, with potential impacts on employment in the tourism and navigation industries.
Steffi, the Federal Environment Minister, is concerned about the fluctuating water levels at Lake Constance, as the lack of rainfall and snowmelt from the Alps contributes to the problem, possibly making this year one of the lowest on record.
In light of the challenges posed by the low water levels at Lake Constance, the employment policy should consider strategies to assist those employed in the pleasure boat sector, such as the "White Fleet," who may struggle with launch difficulties due to the inadequate water depth.