Near-natural bodies of water promote biodiversity
Water bodies are an essential part of the water and nature balance. Aspects of biodiversity, nature conservation and species protection play just as important a role in water management as hydraulic capacity. In the past, watercourses were sometimes negatively altered by humans. Ecologically orientated watercourse development compensates for the negative effects of these changes, taking into account harmless flood discharge.
The Ruhrverband is particularly committed to the protection of resources and nature. The European Water Framework Directive (EC WFD) sets the goal of "good chemical and good ecological status" for all surface waters in Europe. Water management is therefore not only use-orientated, but also serves to sustainably safeguard natural resources (river basin management).
According to the requirements of the EC WFD, regular water monitoring is required. The results are documented in the water status maps. They show that measures to improve the water body structure (morphology) in particular are required to achieve the desired good status. The Ruhrverband, together with the German Council for Landscape Conservation (DRL), has developed the "stream effect concept" for the sensible selection and organisation of measures. The state of North Rhine-Westphalia has further developed these principles and summarised them in the working aid "Stream effect and stepping stone concept in planning practice".
Flood protection
Due to climate change, flood events are increasing in both frequency and intensity. As part of watercourse development measures, it is therefore important to give the watercourse more space again in order to create retention areas to delay runoff.
The following responsibilities exist for flood management in North Rhine-Westphalia and in the Ruhr catchment area:
- In North Rhine-Westphalia, the district governments are responsible for flood risk management. They also determine the floodplains by statutory order.
- The respective cities and municipalities are generally responsible for flood protection along the Ruhr and its tributaries.
- As part of the watercourse maintenance obligation, the proper flow of water in the existing drainage cross-section must be ensured. As a rule, the respective towns and municipalities are responsible for watercourse maintenance. At the request of the municipalities, the Ruhrverband can take over the watercourse maintenance obligation. The state of North Rhine-Westphalia is responsible for the maintenance of water bodies of the first order.
- Reservoir management is carried out by the Ruhrverband in coordination with the flood warning service of the Arnsberg district government.
- The state of NRW is responsible for warning of flood situations. On the Ruhr, Lenne, Volme and Lippe, this task is carried out by the flood warning service of the Arnsberg district government.
- In the event of flooding, the disaster control organisations (fire brigade, police, THW, etc.) are responsible for averting danger.
