The effects of climate change – such as heat and drought – on the water supply in Germany are noticeable and are becoming increasingly important. Water use conflicts are evident in different regions of Germany and affect different sectors.

After three years of intensive work, the results of the project "Drought and Water Use Conflicts in Germany (WADKlim)", initiated and funded by the Federal Environment Agency, were presented and discussed at the conference. The conference was addressed to experts related to water management issues from federal agencies, state offices and ministries as well as from authorities at regional level. Representatives from research institutions, associations, as well as practitioners attended. In total, 50 participants were present in person and up to 125 participants took part online.

The results of the project provide an overview of current water availability and water use in Germany and shed light on their future development under the influence of climate change. The investigations focused in particular on groundwater resources. In WADKlim, potential solution strategies were analyzed, such as the effectiveness of water advisory councils, measures of water retention in the area or a possible water reuse for irrigation in urban areas. The results of the project have been prepared in the form of recommendations for action.

The Ruhr University Bochum, the Research Center Jülich, the Technical University Berlin, the Ecologic Institute and Fresh Thoughts Consulting were involved in the project.