Due to the heat: Ruhrverband is recording an increasing number of breaches of the regulations at the reservoirs

The heatwave has had North Rhine-Westphalia firmly in its grip for days. As a result, the Ruhrverband’s reservoirs have recently been very busy. Unfortunately, not everyone seeking relief from the heat in our waters is prepared to abide by the rules in force.

A particularly egregious example of reckless behaviour was discovered at the Sorpe Reservoir. There, unknown individuals built a makeshift jetty out of old planks and pipes. In doing so, they not only committed administrative offences (erecting a structure on the water’s edge without a permit, illegal disposal of waste), but also made themselves liable to criminal prosecution – because the buoyancy devices used were canisters containing residues of highly toxic sodium hypochlorite, which poses an extreme threat to water bodies. And anyone who pollutes a body of water or attempts to do so is committing a criminal offence, even if it is done through negligence.

The Ruhrverband removed the structure from the water as quickly as possible, has filed a report against persons unknown and is asking for information as to who might have built the jetty. Otherwise, the general public will – unfortunately, yet again – be left to foot the bill for disposing of this hazardous waste.

Damage was also caused to several trees at the Sorpe Dam. A report has been filed in this case as well.

The heatwave is also causing major problems with those who refuse to learn their lesson and continue to jump into the Ruhrverband’s reservoirs despite all the warnings. At the Möhne Reservoir, some young people were so stubborn in ignoring the warnings from the DLRG and the public order office that the police had to be called in to assist. By now, word should have got round that jumping into reservoirs is a life-threatening act of recklessness, because fluctuating water levels mean they constitute ‘unknown waters’ every single day. In other words: a spot that was deep enough yesterday may well no longer be so tomorrow!

In light of recent events, the Ruhrverband is therefore once again appealing to all visitors to its reservoirs:

• Behave responsibly and show consideration for others.
• Do not leave any rubbish behind and do not cause any damage.
• Swim only at the designated bathing areas.
• Observe the ban on barbecues on the riverbanks and the absolute ban on smoking in the forest.

What is permitted and prohibited around our reservoirs is governed by our Leisure Regulations and the Public Use Regulations of the Arnsberg District Government: ruhrverband.de/services/sport-und-freizeit-tipps/freizeitordnung. We will always report any breaches of the law to the authorities.