Treated wastewater could stabilize groundwater levels

Fight for water - Treated wastewater could stabilize groundwater levels

In Gardelegen, a pilot project is planned to be implemented in Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany, where treated wastewater will be intensively used to stabilize the groundwater level. The project is supported by the state of Sachsen-Anhalt, according to the Environment Ministry, with a funding of 780,000 Euro.

Environment Minister Armin Willingmann (SPD) stated, "In Sachsen-Anhalt, extreme weather events will occur more frequently in the future. This includes heavy rain as well as prolonged drought periods,". "This surplus or deficit of water requires modern water management." Maintaining so-called water balance areas is a central task in the coming years.

Concretely, in Gardelegen, treated water will no longer only be introduced into rivers but also infiltrated, to stabilize the groundwater level outside of water protection areas.

The wastewater treatment plant Gardelegen is to be expanded with a pilot plant. The University of Magdeburg-Stendal will scientifically accompany the pilot project of the Gardelegen Water Association. "If the concept proves successful, it could be used throughout the state," according to the Environment Ministry.

1. The pilot project in Gardelegen, aimed at stabilizing the groundwater level using treated wastewater, aligns with Germany's efforts to mitigate climate change, as supported by the BMU.
2. The use of treated wastewater in municipalities like Gardelegen for climate resilient water management can help mitigate the effects of climate change, such as extreme weather events and water shortages.
3. Saxony-Anhalt's Environment Ministry is investing 780,000 Euro in the Gardelegen pilot project, recognizing the importance of environmental sustainability in the face of climate change.
4. The successful implementation of the wastewater treatment plant expansion with a pilot plant in Gardelegen could potentially serve as a model for other municipalities in Saxony-Anhalt, contributing to a more climate-friendly and water-wise future.

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