Altmühl under fire: ecological turnaround against climate chaos in Bavaria!

Altmühl under fire: ecological turnaround against climate chaos in Bavaria!

Over the past three decades, the Ansbach Water Management Authority has shown a lot of patience to develop the Altmühl river landscape. Today, June 12, 2025, it becomes clear how important such projects are for the ecological health of our waters. The Altmühl, which is considered the “slowest river in Bavaria”, is the focus of action. Insufficient dynamics and structure are found between Ornbau and Neunstetten, which has a negative impact on the quality of life of many aquatic inhabitants.

High water temperatures in summer, due to the lack of trees on the banks, mean that the habitat for fish and microorganisms is severely impaired. In order to counteract these grievances, restructuring measures are currently underway. These not only aim to improve the water structure and quality, but also to combat algae blooms. Washed-off nutrients and sediments enter the Altmühl via tributaries and drainage ditches, which leads to these problematic algae blooms that not only affect water quality, but also endanger biodiversity.

Ecological transformation measures

The water management office has set itself ambitious goals. Shallow depressions will be created to retain water and suspended matter, and a former river loop will be reconnected to the Altmühl. This not only stabilizes the water balance, but also creates new habitats for the diverse flora and fauna. Particular attention is paid to small creatures, such as insect larvae, psyllids and water snails, which play an important role in the natural balance. These little helpers shred fallen leaves, shed algae and contribute to the self-cleaning of the water, as Umwelt NRW emphasizes.

Further measures include the introduction of dead wood and clay groynes to increase the flow speed and also promote riparian vegetation. These measures are not only a piece of the puzzle in the fight to cope with floods and droughts, but also an attempt to counteract warming caused by climate change.

First successes visible

But the interaction between nature and human activity is already showing initial success. The Middle Franconian Fisheries Advisory Service and the Water Management Office will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the changes. At Haag there are already positive changes in the fish species composition and the species spectrum of microorganisms. These developments are not only a source of hope, but also an indicator of the good ecological status of water bodies, as the work in North Rhine-Westphalia shows.

The Altmühl IV land consolidation process is expected to be completed during the year, which could accelerate the implementation of further measures. Let's be excited to see what face the Altmühl will show in the coming years. Fortunately, nature is tough, and with the right hand and commitment we can continue to have a positive impact on our waters.

The future of this region and its waters is being actively shaped. The Ansbach Water Management Office has taken the necessary steps. If we continue to pay attention and support the initiatives, the Altmühl could soon not only become climate-friendly, but also a first-class piece of home for people and nature.