Karlsruhe starts major project: Better flood protection for Ettlingen!

Karlsruhe starts major project: Better flood protection for Ettlingen!

Things are making progress in Karlsruhe: flood protection on the Alb is about to be implemented. A crucial project to secure the city has now been approved by the local council's planning committee. “We are doing good business for the safety of our citizens,” said Mayor Daniel Fluhrer, who described the unanimous decision as a positive signal for Ettlingen. This is a further step towards preparing for flood events, which statistically occur once in 100 years.

The project includes the construction of a retention basin in the Albtal above Ettlingen, which is capable of holding up to 1.3 million cubic meters of water. In combination with other measures, such as upgrading the Erlengraben and raising the dam on the Rüppurr side, the risk of flooding should be significantly reduced. The total costs amount to 63.5 million euros, of which the city of Karlsruhe covers around 30 percent, i.e. around 19 million euros. “The planning approval process is about to be completed and construction is scheduled to begin in 2026,” confirms Dirk Milbich from the civil engineering department.

A comprehensive approach to flood protection

But why is this protection even necessary? Floods often occur in the hinterland, which is why effective flood protection must be implemented across the board. “Water retention in the area can defuse the risk of flooding for those downstream,” say the experts. These concepts, especially in third-order waters, are of great relevance and are also supported by the Free State of Bavaria. The aim is to develop an integral flood protection and retention concept that takes into account all areas of flood protection - from natural retention to technical flood protection and flood prevention.

Such a holistic approach not only protects against flooding, but also improves water quality and ecology, reduces soil erosion and helps restore the natural water balance. As with the plans for flood protection in Karlsruhe, where the combination of various measures and the construction of a retention basin are intended to improve not only flood protection but also the quality of life in the region.

The path is paved for a safe Karlsruhe - with a clear goal in mind: protecting the city and its citizens from the challenges of climate change and its extreme weather events. It remains to be hoped that the further steps will be implemented just as quickly and efficiently so that Karlsruhe is optimally prepared for the future.