rainy weather - The Cottbus Eastern Sea gets water from the Spree
The abundant summer rains benefit the Cottbus Ostsee in Cottbus. The energy company Leag reported that it will receive flooding water from the Spree. The transformation of the former brown coal mine Cottbus Nord into a lake at the city's doorstep began five years ago. The water level has recently decreased due to evaporation and seepage effects.
Flooding has been authorized
After heavy rainfall, the Lausitz Flooding Central gave the corresponding instruction. The Brandenburg Environmental Agency allowed a flooding of up to 1.9 cubic meters per second, according to Leag.
The Cottbuser Ostsee will receive water from the Spree for the first time since flooding began in the summer. The amount can be adjusted in the coming days depending on weather conditions and rainfall amounts.
The lake has had a closed water surface since the beginning of the year, and the lake bed is completely covered with water. Since April 2019, Spree water has been flowing into the future 1,900-hectare mining lake. The current water level is at 61.15 meters.
The Ostsee as a tourist attraction
After the flooding is completed (expected to be around 2025, depending on future rainfall), the Ostsee will be about twice as large as the Großer Müggelsee in Berlin.
The lake is planned to become a tourist attraction, as well as play a role in the energy transition. The Cottbuser Stadtwerke plan to provide at least 40% of the district heating and heat for the Cottbuser Ostsee using a large heat pump.
Additionally, a city quarter is planned at the water with new residential areas, industrial zones, an energy campus as a think tank, and an educational and administrative center.
The Weather forecast predicts more rain in the upcoming days, which could further increase the water inflow. The Fluting of the Lusatia region, particularly in areas like Cottbus and the surrounding areas, has been a subject of interest for energy companies. The Baltic Sea, while far, could potentially benefit from the excess water due to Mining activities in Lusatia. Tourism in Cottbus could see a boost with the expansion of the Cottbuser Ostsee, offering new opportunities for water sports and leisure activities. The decreased water level in the Ostsee, despite recent rainfall, highlights the challenges in maintaining the lake's water balance.
