The deep groundwater beneath Munich is considered the city’s emergency reserve for drinking water supply. Nevertheless, local breweries are allowed to use this millennia-old water to produce their ‘Munich Beer’ – and at extremely favorable conditions.
The regulation draws criticism because the deep groundwater is a limited resource that serves as a reserve during dry periods. While Munich residents are urged to save water during heatwaves, breweries can continue to pump large quantities of the ancient groundwater – even for products that are not part of traditional beer brewing.
Tradition plays a major role in the Bavarian state capital. ‘Munich Beer’ enjoys a special protected status, and breweries argue that water quality is crucial for the taste. However, the water is used not only for beer but also for lemonades and cleaning purposes, which environmental groups criticize as wasteful.
A reassessment of water rights is not currently on the agenda for Munich. Whether the practice will survive long-term given increasing dry periods and rising drinking water demand remains an open question.
Source: www.sueddeutsche.de
