Efficient water supply for around 4.6 million people
The Ruhrverband operates eight dams with a total volume of 463 million cubic metres. In terms of a single river basin (that of the Ruhr), this is the largest interconnected reservoir system in Germany. The main function of the dams is to secure the water supply for around 4.6 million people, among other things by raising low water levels in times of low natural runoff. The discharge volumes of the Ruhrverband's reservoirs are determined at the reservoir control centre in Essen.
In addition to the eight dams, the Ruhrverband is responsible for the operation and maintenance of 47 gauging stations and 33 precipitation measuring stations as well as for the hydraulic engineering management of 15 hydropower plants operated by its subsidiary Lister- und Lennekraftwerke GmbH.
Dams are large structures that are often not even recognised as such in the landscape. They contain a great deal of technology, the mastery of which requires extensive expertise. The operation of dams is to a large extent a technology-orientated activity. Dams must be operated economically and have to fulfil special monitoring and safety requirements. They store a great deal of potential energy and are therefore subject to the operator's duty of care and state supervision to a particularly high degree.
In addition to the technical aspects, legal, environmental and, in particular, leisure and recreational utilisation issues also play an important role in dam facilities. The Ruhrverband's dams are therefore an elementary component of public services in the Ruhr region.
The Ruhrverband's dam control centre in Essen
On the one hand, the dam system serves to increase low water levels in order to maintain the water supply in times of low natural runoff. This is the case, for example, in dry summers with low rainfall. On the other hand, it also contributes to flood protection by managing the flood protection areas required in the winter months.
To this end, the control centre of the dam system constantly processes up-to-date data, which forms the basis for decision-making for operational dam control. The situation report provides daily updates on the key data and developments in water quantity management. The precipitation radar shows the current precipitation situation. The extent to which the Ruhr is navigable by boat is indicated in the menu item Navigation situation. Under water levels you will find the data from the gauges on the Ruhr and Lenne and under reservoir levels the levels of some selected reservoirs.
Further information on all gauges and reservoirs in the Ruhr catchment area can be found on the website of the reservoir control centre.
Our dams
Bigge and Lister dams
Two of Germany's largest reservoirs in the centre of NRW
Ennepetal dam
This drinking water reservoir includes the Osenberg forebay and six side basins.
Henne Dam
Reservoir with numerous leisure activities in the north of the Sauerland
Möhne dam
Eighth largest dam in Germany
Sorpe dam
Fifth largest dam in NRW
Verse and Fürwigge dams
Medium-sized drinking water reservoirs in wooded surroundings