About

The German Federal Institute of Hydrology (Bundesanstalt für Gewässerkunde – BfG), is a supreme federal agency within the portfolio of the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI). As such it is the federal government's scientific institution for research, assessments, and consulting in the fields of hydrology, uses, quality and conservation of waters and ecology.

Organisation Type

Organisation Activities

Quantitative hydrology The BfG measures water levels and streamflows, examines the geometry and the morphological conditions of waterways, and studies the interactions between waterways and groundwater. Qualitative hydrology The BfG investigates the release of substances and chemicals into waters and their impacts. It focuses especially on the consequences resulting from maintenance works and development projects on federal waterways. Ecology The BfG studies the ecosystems in and along the federal waterways. It explores their composition and develops concepts and measures for ecologically compatible waterway management practices. Interdisciplinary co-operation In order to cope with the complexity of its tasks, the BfG's divisions and departments co-operate – also with external partners – on many topics. International co-operation Waterways do not stop at national frontiers. Hence, the BfG attaches great importance to participate in international projects and activities.