Alarming: the Danube in Tuttlingen is becoming an algae swamp landscape!

Alarming: the Danube in Tuttlingen is becoming an algae swamp landscape!

In Tuttlingen, the Danube is currently in a worrying state: Hardly any water flows through the river, and the water surface is covered by a greenish film of algae. This algae formation has become very pronounced in the last few weeks, and how Swabian newspaper Reportedly, it is favored by various factors - above all the weather. The persistent drought, high temperatures and lots of sunshine have contributed greatly to this situation.

According to the State Environmental Agency, the low water level is currently at level 2, which is classified as extremely low. These sovereign findings shed light on the challenges that the Danube is currently facing. The damming of the Danube at the Groß Bruck has the result that the flow speed of the water is significantly reduced. This in turn hinders the removal of algae and leads to a lack of oxygen, which endangers the lives of fish and other aquatic creatures.

Current measures and outlook

After a brief change in the weather with cooling rain, the situation has improved somewhat, but the city must continue to work on solutions. A test is currently being carried out at the Scala weir on the Groß Bruck to make the dam permanent. Particular attention should be paid to the fact that the damming is currently minimal, as a previously planned 2.50 meter high damming was not approved. The weir flap at the Scala cinema remains open, while other flaps are only partially raised - the defective third flap is waiting to be repaired.

The criterion for the success of this experiment is that there are no negative effects on water quality. If successful, this build-up could represent a permanent solution. However, in order to create a stable 50-centimeter traffic jam, the riverbed will need to be redesigned, and initial plans have already been made. One suggestion is to divide the wide river bed at the mouth of the Elta into two narrower beds.

A look at the water balance

The current conditions of the Danube are not isolated. Many rivers in Germany, including the Danube, have been struggling with low water events for years. According to that Federal Environment Agency The years 2018 to 2020 were particularly characterized by extremely low water conditions. This means low water events typically occur in summer and early fall, especially during long dry periods. A growing problem due to climate change affecting the timing and intensity of such events.

The results of this development are alarming: the water temperature in the rivers is rising faster, which in turn leads to increased algae growth. Less water also means higher concentrations of nutrients and pollutants, which further degrades water quality.

The city of Tuttlingen and many other communities are faced with the challenge of reducing this ecological and economic pressure. It's not just fish stocks that have to be worried - shipping and agricultural irrigation also depend heavily on sufficient water.

Knowing that there will be more and more low-water days in the summer months, it is important to carefully weigh up options for action. The reconstruction project on the Danube could therefore be the first step in keeping the waters attractive and functional in the future.