07.2026
City Council Approves Restoration of Salbker See I
At its meeting on June 18, 2026, the City Council of the state capital Magdeburg approved the restoration of Salbker See I (South). Until the late 1980s, Salbker See I was a public bathing lake. In recent years, however, the lake has made headlines due to massive algal blooms with water transparency below 30 cm, the release of toxic and foul-smelling hydrogen sulfide, and, above all, fish die-offs.
The City Council's decision was preceded by a three-year public discussion. UFZ contributed to this process with presentations in council committees, at public meetings in the Südost district, and within the city administration. Our assessment of the situation and our recommendations are based on an extensive monitoring program that began in 2022 and is still ongoing. A summary of our evaluation from June 2024 can be found here. Key elements include a connection to the Elbe as a bypass, withdrawal of diverted water from the deep layer of the lake, and water level retention in spring to ensure that deep water can continue to be discharged during dry summers.
2026.06
Study of the Hardwood Floodplain Forest – State Secretary Wünsch visits Kreuzhorst
Photo: Ministry of Science, Energy, Climate Protection and the Environment
The Kreuzhorst nature reserve is at risk. Falling groundwater levels—caused by climate change and the deepening of the Elbe riverbed—are taking a toll on the area. Floodplain forests rely on high and fluctuating groundwater levels.
A research project was launched in January 2026 to scientifically study the designated nature reserve and derive recommendations for action. To this end, a total of 11 groundwater monitoring wells were drilled.
Since the beginning of the year, we have been regularly collecting groundwater and surface water samples here. We are also including samples from existing wells in nearby communities. The results will eventually form the basis for proposals to stabilize groundwater levels.
The goal is to preserve the hardwood floodplain forest, which provides a habitat for diverse flora and fauna and serves as a local recreation area for the people of the region.
In June 2026, State Secretary Wünsch from the Ministry of Science, Energy, Climate Protection and the Environment visited Kreuzhorst. He was briefed on the progress of the studies and presented the official grant notification amidst the area's beautiful natural surroundings.