Aurich wants to improve drinking water supplies with wells and refill locations

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Aurich is planning improvements to the drinking water supply to adapt to climatic challenges and increasing quality of life.

Aurich plant Verbesserungen der Trinkwasserversorgung zur Anpassung an klimatische Herausforderungen und steigende Aufenthaltsqualität.
Aurich is planning improvements to the drinking water supply to adapt to climatic challenges and increasing quality of life.

Aurich wants to improve drinking water supplies with wells and refill locations

Important decisions are pending in Aurich to improve the drinking water supply. The background to these considerations is the increasingly frequent heat waves and long dry periods caused by climate change. The city has recognized that the quality of life in the city center is also an important factor when it comes to quality of life. This comes from a report by NWZonline out.

On October 2nd, the environmental committee of the GfA/Specken parliamentary group will discuss a motion that aims to make the city center more pleasant in times of extreme heat and at the same time reduce plastic waste production. The administration has been given the task of developing a comprehensive implementation concept that includes a detailed location analysis, a cost estimate and a maintenance plan in cooperation with the Oldenburg East Frisian Water Association (OOWV).

The plans in detail

A central aspect of this initiative is the purchase of drinking water fountains in heavily frequented places such as Burgstrasse, the market square or Georgswall. The initial plan is to install two fountains, which should be barrier-free, vandal-proof and hygienically designed. Each well could cost up to 13,000 euros, with additional maintenance and cleaning costs.

In a pilot phase, a fountain will initially be set up to check the acceptance among the population. At the same time, the CDU/FDP parliamentary group has proposed participation in the nationwide “Refill Germany” initiative. This aims to give shops and public institutions the opportunity to provide free tap water to refill drinking bottles. Participants in this initiative identify themselves with a “Refill” sticker on the entrance door.

Climate change and water supply

The challenges that climate change poses to water supplies should not be underestimated. According to that DVGW The dry year of 2018 made it clear that the water supply in Germany is in stressful situations. Long dry periods and high temperatures lead to increased water demand, which highlights the need for improved supply systems and close coordination between water suppliers, municipalities and authorities.

The National Water Strategy, which was approved by the Federal Cabinet on March 15, 2023, emphasizes the tasks and goals that need to be taken into account in the area of ​​water supply until 2050. Sustainable use of water resources is the top priority. The strategy includes numerous measures to improve water balance, water management and resource protection, as described in the report Federal Environment Agency is presented.

The crucial question therefore remains: Does Aurich rely on its own wells or takes advantage of the advantages of the refill initiative? The next steps in this discussion will be of great interest to many citizens.