New state water law: land owners must cooperate in the future!

New state water law: land owners must cooperate in the future!

Schleswig-Holstein is facing a huge change in flood protection! The new draft of the State Water Act, presented by Environment Minister Tobias Goldschmidt, forces land owners to cooperate in building and strengthening dikes. What does that mean specifically? Anyone who does not make their land available faces rapid expropriation! Goldschmidt warns: “We have to prepare our country!” because the effects of global warming can no longer be ignored. The critical mark of 1.5°C has already been exceeded!

Coastal protection has priority!

The black-green coalition has decided: coastal protection comes before nature conservation! When widening dikes, authorities can now act against nature conservation regulations. This is done in the spirit of an “overriding public interest”. While coastal regions can protect themselves better, flood protection in inland areas remains largely without additional legal means. Regions like Kellinghusen, which are regularly affected by floods, are not given any new options to improve their protection concepts!

Increased wastewater fees and new warning requirements

But that's not all! Wastewater fees will also increase by around five euros per household in order to ensure the financing of flood protection concepts. Municipalities and associations are called upon to develop innovative protective measures. In addition, operators of campsites and pleasure boat harbors will have to warn about floods in the future! Anyone who parks their vehicle or boat in endangered zones over the winter months must expect flooding. The new law will come into force from 2025 and preparations are in full swing!