Is it possible to suck water from a ditch using a submersible pump?

Just walk along the ditch 1 hour to the right and left, others take water from it, it feeds ponds or nature reserves, where does the water come from during 4 weeks of drought. Is it a drainage ditch for agriculture or residential areas. The Aral Sea is drying up because the inflows are used for irrigation.

The water comes from and flows into a large river. The ditch serves for irrigation and drainage. It has never been dry. The water level is regulated by [Siele]. It is mainly used for watering livestock for more distant pastures.

To my knowledge, the automated extraction of water from surface waters is often not permitted or requires a permit. Filling buckets and watering cans is allowed (unless prohibited due to drought as well). Perhaps drill a well near the ditch?

We already had huge discussions because we wanted to install a permanent pump in our well (since 130 years documented). I would definitely inquire.