Groundwater in Germany: challenges, solutions, and the BMBF funding measure LURCH: sustainable groundwater management

Abstract

Water is fundamental to life and a vital element for sustainable development. In Germany, groundwater systems are increasingly facing challenges due to climate change and competing demands from various sectors, including drinking water supply, agriculture, forestry, industry, and energy. For the past twenty years, many areas have experienced a noticeable drop in groundwater levels. This situation highlights the urgent need for meticulous management of this essential resource. The complexity of Germany’s groundwater systems further complicates this task. In response to these issues, Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) has launched the "Sustainable Groundwater Management" (LURCH) funding measure. It is designed to promote sustainable groundwater management across the country and ensure its protection as a crucial drinking water source and ecological resource. The LURCH research projects address both quantitative and qualitative challenges in groundwater management, focusing on sustainable resource protection and climate adaptation. They aim to develop an integrated understanding of aquifer systems, considering natural interfaces such as surface waters, groundwater recharge, and saline water interactions, alongside various water uses in drinking water supply, agriculture, forestry, and industry. Groundwater’s role as a thermal reservoir and its ecological functions are also explored. The research tackles pollution risks from nitrate, trace substances, and pathogens while advancing analytical methods and technological innovations, including in-situ treatment and monitoring. Additionally, sustainable management strategies consider economic feasibility, investment, and operating costs, supported by digital tools for improved decision-making. With a strong emphasis on practical implementation, the projects develop solutions to help stakeholders in water supply, agriculture, and industry adapt to climate change and ensure the long-term resilience of groundwater resources. This paper aims to summarize the background and the objectives of the BMBF LURCH funding measure and will introduce the 10 joint projects in a nutshell. It is an introduction to the new ESEU series on Groundwater, which provides an overview of the planned activities within LURCH and highlights the developed solutions. Beyond introducing several joint projects funded by the LURCH funding measure, this collection of papers will publish original research papers, reviews, opinion papers and policy briefs developed based on LURCH projects. By bringing together diverse perspectives, we aim to address the challenges and opportunities associated with protecting this vital resource.