68 million euros for water supply: a climate-proof Ostalbkreis in sight!

68 million euros for water supply: a climate-proof Ostalbkreis in sight!

A large project to strengthen the use of private water is being launched in the Ostalbkreis and the Schwäbisch Hall district. The Stuttgart regional council has provided 2.7 million euros to modernize the water supply in the region and make it future-proof. The Jagstgruppe water supply association will also receive 2,682,600 euros for the third and fourth construction phases of its comprehensive modernization and expansion concept Swabian Post reported.

The funded measures aim to reduce the dependence on long-distance water supplies in the municipalities of Frankenhardt, Jagstzell, Rosenberg, Kreßberg and the city of Crailsheim. As part of close cooperation with the North-East Württemberg Water Supply Association, the planners are also relying on the automation of processes in order to further increase efficiency.

Background and necessity of the measures

This initiative is particularly relevant in the context of climate change, which is becoming increasingly noticeable in Germany. The 2018 drought year was a real stress test for water supplies, with record levels of water consumption and a clear sign that extreme droughts could become more frequent in the long term. DVGW reports that the heated summers and long dry seasons significantly increase the population's water needs. This requires a rethinking of water supply to ensure security of supply for the future.

The challenges facing water utilities are complex. Loud Federal Environment Agency Water scarcity in Germany is expected to become an increasingly complex problem, exacerbated by climatic conditions, water quality problems and increasing water withdrawals in agriculture. The need to create systemic reserves and improve coordination between different actors is seen as essential.

Measures implemented and future steps

The association has already taken some important steps towards establishing its own water supply. These include increasing the annual average long-distance water supply at the Dankoltsweiler pumping station, expanding the amount of internal water, and setting up central treatment stages for partial softening at the Schweighausen waterworks. In addition, there is the expansion of an ultrafiltration system, which helps to ensure microbiological quality, and the flexible remote monitoring of various wells and sources.

To date, the first two construction phases have already been successfully completed, while the final structural measures are now being implemented. The Jagstgruppe association had already received 1.8 million euros in state funding for the implementation of its concept, which suggests a good hand in planning.

Ongoing uncertainty and the growing challenges posed by climate change make it necessary for water suppliers to collaborate more and develop innovative approaches to water use. The upcoming measures are intended not only to provide the population with water, but also to help protect and sustainably manage natural ecosystems.