New Water Treatment Facility in Southern Harz to Combat Climate Change Effects - Southern Alps to house innovative water treatment facility combatting climate change issues
New Water Treatment Plant in South Harz Adapts to Climate Change with Advanced Technology
A contemporary water treatment facility has been unveiled in the South Harz region, located at the Steinatal Dam in Bad Sachsa, Lower Saxony. The groundbreaking plant utilizes ozone-biofiltration technology to deal with climate change's impact on water quality, as stated by the local utility company.
Increased dry spells, altered vegetation patterns, overlogging, and the poor ecological state of the surrounding forest have led to deteriorated raw water quality. The dam's shoreline has been destabilized by recent forest dieback, resulting in the deposit of sediments into the dam's water supply.
The aging existing water treatment plant was frequently shut down due to inefficiency, causing repeated interruptions in the drinking water supply. The water occasionally emitted a "fishy-musty" odor and exceeded safety limits.
The new plant employs a two-stage ozone-biofiltration process, which is eco-friendly and based on cutting-edge scientific knowledge. The water passes through various filter systems and undergoes ozone treatment twice. "Ozone treatment sterilizes the water," explained Stefan Joedicke, technical director of the city's electricity and water supply. The on-site produced ozone molecules, composed of three oxygen atoms, replace chlorine.
Designed to last for at least 70 years, the system is adaptable to fluctuating raw water quality. The costs amount to over three million euros, with two million coming from the Federal Ministry for the Environment.
A potential extension of the dam is being considered, aiming to increase its annual output of up to 250 million liters of water, which supplies up to 50% of the drinking water for Bad Sachsa and other locations. Compared to other dams in the Harz region, the Steinatal Dam, measuring 150 meters in length and possessing a capacity of 75 million liters, is relatively small.
With the onset of increasingly dry summers and wetter winters, year-round water management is becoming crucial. The Steinatal Dam's connection to other water reservoirs, such as the Wiesenbeker Pond or the Odertalsperre of the Harzwasserwerke, is under consideration. An expansion of the Steinatal Dam is also a possibility.
Regarding the innovative ozone-biofiltration technology, it significantly addresses climate change's impact on water quality by enhancing water treatment efficiency and resilience. In brief, this technology:
- Organic Matter Removal: Eliminates organic compounds in water sources caused by increased runoff and algae blooms, reducing taste and odor issues.
- Micropollutant Removal: Effectively removes micropollutants, such as pharmaceuticals and pesticides, increasing water safety.
- Resilience to Extreme Weather: Maintains water treatment plant operation during extreme weather events, ensuring safe drinking water.
- Enhanced Biological Activity: Fosters a diverse community of microorganisms, which adapt to changing environmental conditions, maintaining treatment effectiveness over time.
This technology plays a vital role in ensuring safe and sustainable water supplies in light of climate change's effects on water quality.
The new water treatment plant in South Harz, adhering to both community policy and environmental-science guidelines, employs advanced ozone-biofiltration technology to counter climate change's impact on water quality. This technology, such as the removal of organic matter, micropollutant removal, resilience to extreme weather, and enhanced biological activity, not only fosters a sustainable water supply but also fortifies the plant's operation against climate-change effects.
