Minimizing runoff

30 weirs to hold water in Seewinkel

Water retention in a drainage ditch(Bild: Büro LR Dorner)

Temporary weirs are being built in the region's drainage ditches. The aim is to improve the groundwater situation in Seewinkel in a targeted manner.

 "Keep every drop of water in the region for as long as possible," says Provincial Councillor Heinrich Dorner. For this reason, around 30 temporary dams are currently being built in the drainage ditches.

Barrage with closed dam bar system(Bild: Büro LR Dorner)

The groundwater level is raised by locally defined dam heights in order to minimize uncontrolled runoff via the artificially created ditches. At the same time, however, the drainage function should be maintained in the event of flooding. The weirs are therefore equipped with adjustable dam beams so that the dam heights can be adapted to the weather conditions.

According to Dorner, the dry and hot periods of 2020 to 2022 showed how quickly conflicts of interest can arise over water resources. "Whether it was the soda ponds that dried up too early, the dried-up Zicksee lake or the withdrawal restrictions for agricultural irrigation - all of this has made it clear to us how carefully we need to treat our water and establish appropriate regulations," said the Provincial Councillor.