High consumption prompts change to the water traffic light system
The Palatinate Forest, with the Lauterspring spring and its 23 deep groundwater wells, continues to provide a reliable supply of water. In total, SWK extracts around 7.5 million cubic metres of groundwater annually from its own water extraction facilities.
The groundwater level is still benefiting from the rainfall in January and February. However, the dry spells in April, May and, in particular, June will still have an impact. Furthermore, June 2026 is exceptionally hot and dry. Several consecutive days with temperatures of up to 35–40 degrees led to the longest and most intense heatwave ever recorded in June. This resulted in a sharp rise in water consumption, which needs to be reduced.
Michael Beine (SWK Head of Department and Deputy Head of Technical Services / Piped Media) appeals to the people of Kaiserslautern and the surrounding area: “Please use drinking water carefully and sparingly – and please encourage others to do the same.”
Yellow water alert – please reduce water consumption
“When the water traffic light is yellow, water consumption is high and reaching peak levels. Our water extraction plants are then operating at full capacity. We therefore ask users to reduce their water consumption.”
Here’s what you can do to help stabilise the water supply:
- Please water your plants no more than twice a week.
- Please stop watering your lawn.
- Please do not top up swimming pools or cisterns.
- Please use drinking water only where necessary.
SWK provides regular updates on the drinking water supply and the current water quality levels at Lauterspring.
You can find the current status of the water traffic light system at https://blog.swk-kl.de/swk-wasserampel
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© SWK