Germany is introducing water restrictions as prolonged drought and recurring heatwaves put pressure on water supplies. Around 80 municipalities have imposed limits on activities such as filling pools, watering gardens and washing cars.

Researchers say climate change is disrupting the country’s water cycle, with dry periods, extreme heat and intense rainfall reducing groundwater replenishment. A new national monitoring platform aims to identify shortages earlier, while experts call for better water storage, greener cities and long-term adaptation as water scarcity becomes a growing challenge.