Harz waterworks - Reservoirs in the Harz remain very full
After the peak levels over Christmas, the reservoirs in the Harz region are still very full. However, it is possible to reduce the water discharge in order to relieve the lower reaches of the rivers, the Harz waterworks announced on Tuesday. "The reservoirs have recovered due to the higher releases in the last few days and can take in more water again," said Lars Schmidt, Commercial Director of the waterworks. The situation is being continuously analyzed together with experts from the Lower Saxony State Agency for Water Management, Coastal Defence and Nature Conservation (NLWKN).
The filling level of the Oker dam, for example, is still at almost 90 percent, said a spokesman. This means that, like the Innerste dam, it is no longer in the so-called flood retention area. The Oker dam, for example, which was still completely full on Boxing Day, now has room for up to five million cubic meters of water again.
According to the information provided, the water discharge at the Innerste, Oder and Oker dams has been reduced. They are now releasing between 10 and 12 cubic meters of water per second. By way of comparison, the Okertalsperre has been releasing around 30 cubic meters per second at times over the past few days. The water discharge at the Sösetalsperre was already reduced a few days ago.
The German Weather Service (DWD) warned of storms in the Harz region on Monday. Heavy continuous rain is expected for Tuesday and Wednesday, it said. Up to 70 liters of precipitation per square meter could fall within 48 hours, according to the Harz waterworks.
From Tuesday last week, water was released from the Oker and Innerstetal dams via emergency spillways for several days because the planned maximum reservoir capacity had been exceeded. The so-called spillway then goes into operation automatically. Even when dams are more than 100 percent full, the water does not overflow uncontrollably because the dam walls are built higher.
Read also:
- A clan member is punished here
- Traffic lawyer warns: Don't talk to the police!
- Will he be convicted as Jutta's murderer after 37 years?
- He also wanted to kill his cousin
- Despite the reduced discharge, the Harz waterworks urged caution due to the ongoing high water levels and the predicted bad weather, advising residents in Hildesheim and Lower Saxony, Germany, to stay vigilant.
- The Netherlands-based company NLWKN is collaborating with the Harz waterworks to closely monitor the situation, helping to manage the water levels and minimize the risk of flooding.
- The recent warning from the German Weather Service (DWD) about heavy rainfall in the Harz region could further increase the water levels in the reservoirs, potentially leading to potential flooding concerns.
- In light of the Christmas flooding in Hildesheim, the Harz waterworks are closely tracking the climate patterns in Germany to ensure proper water management and prevent any reoccurrence of such events.
- The recent flooding has highlighted the importance of investing in modern water infrastructure, such as the Harz waterworks, to effectively manage and store water during periods of heavy rainfall, preventing potential damages to homes and businesses.
- The Harz waterworks have implemented a contingency plan in case of extreme weather events, including raising the dams to their highest levels and releasing water through emergency spillways to prevent overflows and damage.
- As a result of the ongoing high water levels and the predicted bad weather, many rivers in Lower Saxony, including the Oker and Innerste rivers, are still at risk of flooding, prompting local authorities and emergency services to remain on high alert.
Source: www.stern.de
