Hamel under pressure: Dirty water causes environmental protection alarm!

Hamel under pressure: Dirty water causes environmental protection alarm!

Clean water is anything but a given for the people in Bad Münder. As the ndz.de reports, the region is fighting against the poor water quality of the Hamel, which is around 26 kilometers long and rises in Hamelspringe. Despite joint efforts by environmental protection authorities, sewage treatment plants, agriculture and nature conservation associations, the situation remains unsatisfactory. All in all, the Hamel currently only meets 4 percent of the requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive, which states that good water status should be achieved by 2015. A further extension until 2027 has now been granted.

Torsten Röpke, the head of the Environment Agency, emphasizes that not only pollution, but also natural leaching, such as mercury levels, represent a serious problem. KGS students gained insights into the challenges of wastewater treatment during an excursion. What was particularly interesting for the students was the realization that the sewage treatment plant only solves part of the problem; It is essential that other areas are also held accountable. Jörg Knebel, project manager at Veolia, points out how important an intact wastewater and surface water network is to protect the groundwater table.

Collaboration for water quality

The Hameln Sport Fishing Club also contributes to water conservation and has over 900 members who are actively involved in the preservation of the Hamel. Your collaboration with authorities and other organizations could be crucial to sustainably improving water quality.

In November, the EU also decided on stricter limits for nitrogen and phosphorus. This is part of a broader water management and monitoring strategy aimed at protecting water sources as public goods, as stated in the EU Water Framework Directive is fixed.

This also includes the idea that water is subject to regulated use in order to maintain qualitative and quantitative use. With climate change and associated extreme weather events such as floods and droughts, managing water resources is more important than ever.

The path to better water

The challenges are great, but the cooperation between various interest groups shows that the region is ready to actively work on solutions. The EU has given member states 30 months to incorporate the new regulations into national law, calling for a clear plan of action to improve water quality.

In conclusion, it can be said that water quality in Bad Münder is an issue that is not only considered locally, but also in the context of larger environmental policy frameworks. By joining forces, a better situation may soon be achieved to preserve the region's natural water resources.