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Build new well: Central Cemetery Friedrichsfelde is fighting for water!
Construction for new fountains at the central cemetery of Friedrichsfelde began to secure water supply after failure.
Build new well: Central Cemetery Friedrichsfelde is fighting for water!
On June 2, 2025, construction for a new groundwater fountain started at the Central Cemetery Friedrichsfelde in Berlin. Against the background, this is done against the background of significant restrictions in water supply, which have existed since spring 2025. The old deep fountain failed in February, which made the situation considerably more difficult for the cemetery gardeners and the visitors to the cemetery. District City Councilor Filiz Küllüoğlu (Bündnis 90/Die Grünen) thanks the Senate Department as well as the water authority for the quick approval and productive cooperation.
The construction work aims to ensure reliable water supply for the 34 hectare cemetery. This measure should not only support the care of the graves, but also relieve the employees. The completion of the new well is expected for early August 2025.
Obstakel in water supply
The central cemetery of Friedrichsfelde, also known as a socialist cemetery, has been known for months, without the urgently needed water supply. A sign at the main entrance has informed visitors about the lack of water since February. Two employees are employed eight hours a day, distributing water by hose or tankers, which significantly impairs other care work.In November 2022 it became clear that the old fountain was defective when the water was parked for the winter season. The lack of water has led to the fact that visitors are also forced to bring their own water with them to maintain their relatives' graves. The whole thing is also complicated because the tanker, which was originally intended for the cemetery, is also defective.
Financial and temporal challenges
In March 2023, funds of 150,000 euros have already been approved for the construction and new building of the fountain. A tender took place in April 2023, and in May a cheaper company was awarded the contract for the implementation. However, the approval process at the water authority can take several weeks, which only tightens the entire situation. After approval, it will still take two to four weeks for the new fountain to be drilled.
In the meantime, the cemetery gardeners have to improvise and fill the scoop, with up to 48 pools being cleaned on Mondays. These circumstances mean that the employees report difficulties in the weeds, since the elaborate watering of the graves takes a lot of time.regulations for basic water use
The removal of groundwater for private purposes, such as garden irrigation, is possible in Berlin without special permission, but an obligation to notify must be observed. This display must be submitted to the Senate Department at least one month before the planned removal. Except of up to 6,000 m³ is an exception, which are particularly necessary for the elimination of groundwater and soil contamination
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The current situation in the Central Cemetery Friedrichsfelde shows how important a functioning water supply is, both for the cemetery gardeners and for the mourners who come to the graves of their relatives. The efforts of the district office and the water authority are in focus to restore this important infrastructure as soon as possible.
The construction work for the new fountain is a step in the right direction to solve the challenges that have existed for months.
Further information on the topic of water supply in Berlin can be found on the pages of berlin.de .
For current developments at the central cemetery Friedrichsfelde and the water supply, the article by Berliner Kurier
The district office Lichtenberg also described the measures for water supply in more detail in a press release on berlin.de .