Rain on the right track

“A shower of blessings?“

‘Not necessarily’, says the urban dweller, with a worried glance at increasing wastewater charges. Wide parts of the ground in cities are sealed for all kind of buildings, parking or traffic.

Precipitations falling on these surfaces can no longer seep into the soil, but usually is discharged in the sewer system. Costs of this infrastructure have to be raised by all its users, and they are increasing because of repairs and expansion work necessary due to still increasing sealing of surfaces, the ageing of conduits and increasing demands for the protection of bodies of water.

Stormwater projects in the Emscher region:

Separation can be a blessing!

An alternative to this system is the on-site managing of stormwater just where it falls so the way into the sewer-system is interrupted. The disconnection of stormwater supports and strengthens the natural hydrological balance and water cycle. The water is either filtered through the soil on site or is discharged - in open gutters - into the nearest body of water. Disconnection also can help you save your money: Whenever stormwater ist not discharged into the public system no drainage fee has to be paid.

Stormwater projects in the Emscher region

Since 1992, stormwater projects are topical in the Emscher region. Two years later financial support began and was helpful providing a vital impetus for a wide range of measures. On the map you will find a selection of projects that have been carried out, with pictures and brief explanations. You can also go and look at the outcomes of many of these measures; as most people who have installed such systems are happy to show them to anyone interested.