Low water threatens floating tradition in Munich’s Eisbach

Water levels in Munich’s Eisbach stream have fallen by around 31 percent since early July, raising questions about how long people will still be able to float through the English Garden, BR reported. The Munich Water Management Office said there were currently no ecological concerns, however, and that it still had options to regulate the flow.

“It is simply so relaxing when you enter the cold water and let yourself drift,” said 51-year-old Markus Schuster, who regularly cools off in the Eisbach. For many Munich residents, floating several hundred metres through the English Garden is a favourite summer experience. Tourists also take part.

Swimming is officially prohibited in all waters of the English Garden. The current and objects on the streambed can pose a fatal risk, while even experienced swimmers need to know the area. The last exit point is two ladders on the left-hand side before Tivoli Bridge. Dangerous grilles and other structures are located downstream.

Park wardens patrol the area daily and warn visitors. The Bavarian Palace Administration also refers to the park regulations and urges people to act responsibly and protect themselves from danger.

At the beginning of July, almost 26 cubic metres of water per second flowed through the Eisbach. By mid-August, that figure had fallen to 18 cubic metres per second. At the end of January and beginning of February, the flow was as low as 15 cubic metres per second because frozen ground in the catchment area reduced runoff.

The Munich Water Management Office said the falling level did not pose ecological problems in the Eisbach because it is an artificial watercourse. The situation is different in tributaries such as the Schwabinger Bach, which provides an important habitat for particularly protected fish species.

If the flow falls further, the water management office could adjust the weirs so that less water reaches the Eisbach. It said a reduction of one or two cubic metres per second would not have a significant effect and that it still had options to act.

Some bathers have already noticed the lower level. “If this continues and the water levels keep falling, it will probably become difficult to float here,” said 29-year-old Leon Menzel. Nineteen-year-old Silas Selinger saw an advantage in the lower water: last year, he said, the level was much higher and it was impossible to stand in some places.