Donaustollen fights against low water levels: water supplies are often at risk!

Donaustollen fights against low water levels: water supplies are often at risk!

The Donaustollen, a very special water diversion system in Baden-Württemberg, is a topic of conversation - not least because of the frequent dry seasons, which make it difficult to divert water to the Aachtquelle, also known as Aachtopf. This tunnel was built in the 1960s and came into operation in 1971. His goal was clear: to redirect Danube water at the seepage point between Immendingen and Möhringen in order to alleviate the water shortage in the surrounding communities. But the water demands its conditions and seeps into the ground, only to bubble up again at the Aachquelle around 12 kilometers later.

The Danube Tunnel is two kilometers long and two meters wide and two meters high. However, in order for it to fulfill its function, it depends on a certain water level. The water levels are monitored at two measuring points - in Kirchen-Hausen and at the Espenbrücke in Möhringen: In Kirchen-Hausen the discharge must be over 3 m³/s, while at the Espenbrücke it must be at least 1.6 m³/s. If these requirements are ignored, the tunnel often remains dry, as has often been the case during the summer months in recent years. The tunnel is active for twenty to a maximum of one hundred days per year, which has varied greatly in recent years.

The Aachtquelle: A natural beauty

The Aachtopf, the richest karst spring in Germany, is located in Aach and is a real attraction for nature lovers. With a discharge of up to 8,000 liters per second, it feeds the Radolfzeller Aach, which after 32 kilometers flows into Lake Constance. The Aachtquelle is not only geologically interesting, but also historically valuable: the Aachtopf has been protected as a natural monument since 1939. The area surrounding the spring pot, characterized by a park-like area and mossy rocky areas, invites walkers to enjoy its beauty.

The geological conditions of the Aachtopf are impressive. The spring pot, which is around 80 meters long and up to 30 meters wide, has its water level at a height of 476 meters above sea level. The deep crevices, especially in the north of the spring pot, are the main source, while several secondary springs supplement the water supply. Interestingly, large quantities of this water come from the sinking of the Danube, so that the two hydrosystems are closely interlinked.

Water management and fees

Speaking of water: The water management in Germany is continuously monitored. The subject area includes data on fees and costs for drinking water and wastewater supply. This data is recorded annually and adapted to developments in recent years. This information shows how much water is used on average per inhabitant per day - an important point that cities and municipalities should always keep in mind. This means that the topic of water always remains high in regional politics.

The communities around the Danube tunnel are impotently responsible when it comes to ensuring the water supply. Because without a functioning water diversion and good planning, they could soon face an even greater challenge.

So what does the future of water supply look like in this region? Does nature interfere with craftsmanship all too often? One thing is clear: residents must adapt to changing water level situations and ensure that the unique water resources in the region are used in the best possible way.