Advisor, Energy and water, The region and us

The water traffic light is currently green – conscious use of resources

The consequences of climate change are also being felt here in the Palatinate. We need to monitor water supplies in the region. One important measure in this regard is the new water traffic light, which is currently green. Please support us in using water carefully.

Das Bild zeigt eine Zeichnung von drei Verkehrsampeln nebeneinander, welche die Wasserampel symbolisieren. Eine zeigt, grün, eine zeigt gelb, eine zeigt rot. An jeder der Ampeln sitzt das SWK-Maskottchen Lemi , ein Lemur und hält ein Schild in der Hand, das einen Wassertropfen zeigt. Bei der grünen Ampel lächelt er, das Schild zeigt einen Haken. Bei der gelben Ampel hat er einen neutralen Ausdruck. Das Schild ist neutral. Bei der roten Ampel hat er ein besorgtes Gesicht. Das Schild zeigt ein Ausrufezeichen für "Achtung".
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Drinking water is becoming a scarce resource: according to recent studies, half of Germany’s cities and districts are facing water shortages. Basically, we are still in a fairly stable situation in our region. The current green water traffic light confirms this.

The Palatinate Forest with the Lauterspring spring and its 23 deep groundwater wells provides a reliable supply of water. In total, we extract around 7.5 millioncubic meters from the groundwater every year. We have a 480 km pipeline network and supply 20,600 household connections.

But we are also feeling the effects of climate change. We must therefore pay careful attention to how water supplies in the region develop. This is the only way to ensure a stable water supply in the future. Increasing periods of heat and drought are putting a strain on our water sources and wells. Water consumption increases significantly, especially in the summer months. Groundwater is no longer replenished as quickly.

Since 2003, we have been measuring lower winter precipitation throughout Rhineland-Palatinate. The higher average annual temperatures and longer vegetation periods lead to reduced groundwater recharge. In addition, precipitation evaporates more quickly from open water surfaces and plants due to higher temperatures. In the future, springs threaten to dry up and surface waters dry out.

Effective measures are needed to secure the water supply in the long term. This is how the water traffic light was created.  

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What is the traffic light?

The water traffic light is a valuable tool for the careful use of water as a resource. The water traffic light provides early information on the status of the drinking water supply. It shows measures that can be taken to ensure long-term security of supply. Everyone can contribute to this by using drinking water consciously!

Like a traffic light, the traffic light shows the status of the drinking water supply in green, yellow and red. The traffic light color is constantly re-evaluated on the basis of objective criteria. SWK monitors the water supply closely. The developed groundwater management concept secures the water supply in the long term.

The following criteria are included in the assessment:

  • Filling of the Lauterspring
  • Condition of wells and water treatment plants (e.g. faults, maintenance)
  • Overall acceptance of the elevated tanks
  • Groundwater levels of the measuring points

Water light on green!

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If the water traffic light is green, the current water consumption is below the daily peak consumption. Our own water extraction plants supply enough water.

But even in relaxed phases, the conscious and responsible use of water should always be a matter of course. Please make sure you use water sparingly and avoid unnecessary consumption.

Attention, yellow traffic light!

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When the water traffic light is yellow, water consumption is high and reaches peak values. Our extraction systems are then working at full capacity. In this case, please reduce your water consumption.

This is what you can do to stabilize the water supply:

  • Please water your plants no more than twice a week
  • Please stop watering your lawn.
  • Please do not fill up pools and cisterns.
  • Please only use drinking water where it is necessary.

Red alert!

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Watch out when the water traffic light turns red! This means that water resources are becoming scarce. It is now urgently necessary to drastically reduce water consumption. Otherwise the security of supply is at risk. Even the provision of extinguishing water becomes critical.

From now on, water-saving tips are no longer enough. any water withdrawal that is not absolutely necessary must be avoided. this is the only way to avoid a water emergency.

  • Please stop watering your plants, with the exception of crops.
  • Stop filling pools and cisterns.
  • Every use of water should be critically scrutinized until the situation eases again.

Together for the region - join us!

We will keep you informed about the status of the traffic lights in various ways. Especially when the traffic light phases change. We will keep you continuously informed about the current situation in this blog. You will also receive information on our social media channels and, if necessary, in the daily press or on the radio.

Please check your water consumption and follow the recommendations according to the traffic light phases. In this way, you can make a valuable contribution to a safe and sustainable water supply in our region.

Our mascot Lemi deliberately helps us with the water traffic light. After all, our use of water affects everyone: people, animals and our precious nature.

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Let’s protect our beautiful region together. Consciously using water as a resource on a daily basis is an important contribution to this. Please also encourage your family, friends and acquaintances to follow your good example. Thank you very much!

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