Over 100 years of experience in the Ruhr catchment area
River basin management stands for water management that is orientated towards the natural catchment boundaries of a river basin.
Efficient river basin management requires the cooperation of all water management stakeholders. By pooling their interests and expertise in a cooperative dialogue, necessary measures can be planned and implemented. This approach exploits synergies at river basin level and minimises the effort involved.
The Ruhrverband has been performing this important function in the Ruhr catchment area for more than 100 years. The River Basin Management Department is the central point of contact for all questions relating to river basin management and the European Water Framework Directive (EC-WFD). Its tasks include
- Integration of the Directive: the elementary principles and requirements of the EC-WFD are integrated into the current work of the Ruhrverband.
- Monitoring the implementation process: The implementation process of the directive is critically monitored.
- Assessment of the water status: The water status is assessed on the basis of biological quality parameters.
- Identification of necessary measures: Measures are identified according to effectiveness and cost-efficiency criteria.
European Water Framework Directive
The European Water Framework Directive forms the basis for the comprehensive protection of our water bodies. In the Ruhre catchment area, this approach is implemented by taking an integrated view of surface water and groundwater in order to ensure ecological goals and sustainable development.