SpreeWasser:N – Adaption to Water-related Extreme Climate Events: Drought Management, Integrated Water Resources Management and Advanced Water Storage Management in Berlin-Brandenburg, Germany

Using observational data and operational numerical forecasts of the German Weather Service (DWD), to develop both a short-term (weeks to months), as well as a longer-term (years to decades) probabilistic forecast of extreme climate events in the study area.

WP2 aims at the optimal use of mutual hydrological extreme events (flood vs. drought). The aim is to develop methods to i) store excess water (e.g., during heavy precipitation) and ii) subsequently use the stored water during dry periods to mitigate drought effects. This is complemented by a catchment-based characterization of the dynamics of these hydrological events and their influence on the regional water balance, such as groundwater recharge and surface runoff.

A web-based early warning system is being developed for the targeted use of irrigation water and to make early decisions about crop cultivation to prepare for an impending drought. It integrates a spatially high-resolution simulation of plant growth and yield formation as well as predictions of soil moisture development on a daily basis.

Complementary to existing activities at the state level, WP4 will develop a long-term water resources management concept that quantifies the future water availability in a temporal-spatial high resolution for the investigated area, considering all relevant components (ecology, ground- and surface water, land cover, climate). For this purpose, the hydrological-water management model, the ecological model, and the groundwater model are coupled.

The instruments and concepts for water storage newly developed in the project, such as managed aquifer recharge, are subject to binding legal requirements. The primarily task in this WP is to provide legal support to the project partners in evaluating the developed strategies against the relevant regulations. In addition, possibilities for the legal implementation of the prioritization of water use are being examined.

A set of measures supports municipalities and water suppliers in assessing the efficiency and feasibility of water storage. A drought early warning system supports farmers with adapted irrigation strategies and crop cultivation. Proposed water uses and storage concepts enable the sustainable use of available water resources. SpreeWasser:N develops innovative solutions and tools that are generalizable and have direct social and economic impacts in the study region and throughout Germany.

This WP also includes the communication of scientific knowledge and stakeholder dialogues to ensure the best possible implementation of the results.