Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania as a prime location for agriculture—a challenge for the drinking water supply

Abstract

The future drinking water supply in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania faces various challenges, such as possible climatic and demographic changes, and a steadily increasing demand for water in tourist centres. As part of a state-wide drinking water supply concept commissioned by the Ministry for Climate Protection, Agriculture, Rural Areas and the Environment of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, we investigated which factors pose a particular threat to drinking water supply in the coming years and decades. It became clear that the greatest challenge lies in balancing the interests of drinking water supply and agriculture. Potential conflicts are both quantitative and qualitative and can be exacerbated by climatic change. As a result of the quantitative and qualitative status assessments, needs for action were identified and possible prevention and adaptation measures are discussed.