Low water in the Rhine: and it should become even drier

The Rhine River has reached its lowest level since records began in some areas, with water levels continuing to decline despite efforts to manage the crisis. On Friday morning, the gauge at Maxau recorded a depth of 3.18 meters, marking a new low at this location north-west of Karlsruhe. Few ships remain operational on the river, with the MS Karlsruhe having suspended its services since the start of the week. Events such as ship parties have been canceled, and trips to dams have also been halted. Some shipping companies are limiting their operations to transport goods from Cologne to the Netherlands only. If current conditions persist, there could be bottlenecks in coal supply for hydropower plants near the river. The State Environmental Office (LUBW) in Karlsruhe described the situation as “exceptionally low water.” Normally, such low levels occur in autumn, yet the current readings already indicate a negative hydrological balance for the year 2026, which begins in November of the previous year. This is attributed to high evaporation rates and low rainfall. Across Baden-Württemberg, nearly all gauging stations show critically low water levels. According to data from the Low Water Information Center (NIZ), 66 percent of measuring points registered “extremely low” water levels, while 28 percent showed “very low” levels and three percent were classified as “low.” At Lake Constance, the lowest water level since record-keeping began in 1850 was measured on July 28. In 38 cities and districts between Mannheim and Konstanz, the use of surface water is currently prohibited. At the measurement point Lobith near Emmerich in North Rhine-Westphalia, officials noted the lowest Rhine level since official measurements began. In Düsseldorf, authorities expect a water level of just 21 centimeters on Saturday, two centimeters less than the previous lowest recorded in October 2018. North Rhine-Westphalian Climate and Economic Minister Mona Neubaur (Green Party) emphasized that rivers are “lifeblood and trade routes,” stating that society must work to slow climate change. She also urged readiness for its consequences, rejecting deepening of the river channels and instead supporting research into modern ships better suited to low-water conditions. For inland navigation on the Rhine, the water level at Kaub, located slightly north of Rüdesheim, is crucial. Currently, it lies barely below 30 centimeters, severely restricting inland shipping. A minimum depth of 1.90 meters is required for safe navigation, corresponding to a water level of approximately 78 centimeters. Once the level drops below 80 centimeters, the obligation to transport goods by water ends. Depending on the route, cargo type, and vessel used, restrictions can vary significantly. A spokesperson for the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Transport stated that reductions in transport capacity or shifting goods to road or rail are necessary. Financial losses are certain, though they cannot be quantified. The outlook for the coming days suggests continued tension in the southwest region. Water levels are expected to drop further, and soil dryness may increase. A spokesperson for the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Transport told F.A.Z. that the forecast from the Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration predicts falling water levels for the next few days. The historical low of 25 centimeters, set in 2018, might be reached during the afternoon of August 3. Should the temperature of the Neckar continue to rise, additional challenges could arise.