Urgent Call to Save Water

About the job

31 July 2026

Urgent Call to Save Water

The persistently hot and dry summer period is causing the groundwater level to continue to fall. The drinking water supply in Gelterkinden is currently still ensured. However, hardly any substantial rainfall is expected in the coming days. Therefore, we ask the population to be especially sparing with drinking water now. Every small amount of water saved helps to ensure the supply during the dry period.

Please particularly observe the following recommendations:

• Do not let water run unnecessarily: turn off the tap when brushing teeth or shaving and turn off the water while soaping in the shower.
• Shower instead of bathing! Keep showers as short and mindful as possible.
• Use the small flush button for "little business"!
• Run dishwashers and washing machines only when fully loaded and, if possible, on the ECO programme.
• Reuse water: water from washing salad, vegetables or fruit can, provided it contains no cleaning agents, be used to water flowers and garden plants.
• Use pre-run water: collect cold water in containers while waiting for hot water.
• Limit garden watering to the essentials: if watering is unavoidable, it should be done in the early morning or late evening. Water flowers selectively and, if possible, use kitchen wastewater.
• Avoid watering lawns.
• Do not refill swimming pools.
• Avoid hosing down forecourts, terraces, machines, garden tools, etc.
• Avoid car washing – even in car washes. Limit necessary cleaning to the absolute essentials.
• Also raise awareness among children and young people for careful water use.

Measures by the municipality of Gelterkinden:

The municipality is also contributing and, for example, has taken the public fountains connected to the mains out of service. The sports field near the multipurpose hall is watered with untreated spring water. Such water is also used for watering the municipality's own trees and plants. Visitors to the indoor-outdoor pool are already being advised to shower consciously and as briefly as possible.

Further procedure

The situation is continuously assessed by the municipality. If these recommendations and measures do not achieve the desired success, further and more drastic measures will have to be taken.

The municipality thanks all residents for the careful use of our valuable drinking water.

EVERY DROP COUNTS!