WPS is developing a digital platform for low-water management

New information system supports public authorities, local authorities and the business community in preparing for low water levels.

With today’s launch of the nationwide low-water information system NIWIS, Germany now has, for the first time, a central digital platform that uniformly records, assesses and presents current low-water situations across the country in a clear and accessible manner. Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider presented the system in Berlin on 15 July 2026, together with the Federal Institute of Hydrology (BfG). The aim is to provide authorities, local authorities, businesses and members of the public with a reliable basis for precautionary and adaptation measures in response to increasing periods of drought.

The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly apparent in Germany too. Falling river levels, lower groundwater levels and longer dry spells are putting increasing pressure on water resources. At the same time, there is a growing need for up-to-date, reliable information in order to make informed decisions and take appropriate action at an early stage. This is precisely where NIWIS comes in.

For the first time, the new platform offers a nationwide, standardised overview of the current low-water situation. In addition to up-to-date measurement data, NIWIS provides comprehensive background information, analyses and assessments. This enables developments to be identified at an early stage, risks to be better assessed and adaptation measures to be planned in a targeted manner. The system is aimed at specialist users in public authorities and local councils, as well as at businesses and the interested public.

NIWIS was developed as part of the National Water Strategy on the initiative of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Protection, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN) in close cooperation between the federal and state governments at the Federal Institute of Hydrology (BfG). As a development partner, WPS was responsible for implementing the digital platform, drawing on its many years of expertise in developing modern web and specialist applications for public administration.

The development of NIWIS demonstrates the contribution that digital solutions can make to tackling societal challenges. Modern information systems create transparency, link data from different sources and support public authorities and decision-makers in responding more quickly and effectively to changing circumstances.

We are delighted to have contributed our technological expertise to the implementation of this forward-looking project and would like to thank the Federal Institute of Hydrology, as well as all project partners, for their trust and cooperation.

Further links

• Press release from the Federal Ministry for the Environment: “Nationwide standardised information on low water levels enables better response and preparedness”
• Further information on the NIWIS low-water information system is available on the website of the Federal Institute of Hydrology (BfG).
• NIWIS online