maintenance during dry seasons. Stillwater in these reservoirs always bears the risk
of eutrophication with effects such as algal blooms, etc. Concerning climate change,
with longer dry and sunny periods, this problem is expected to increase.
The total length of flowing surface waters in the WVER service area managed by
the waterboard is approx. 1900 km. (These are all the waters in the northern part of
the service area downstream of the reservoirs.) WVER is responsible for the
management of these waters, as well as for the operation of 50 flood retention
basins and other flood control works.
4.2.3 The Role of Municipalities and Lower Water
Authorities in Water Management
The German Basic Law (Article 28 (2)) and most constitutions of the German
Länder ensure the local self-government of districts, towns and municipalities.
Self-government comprises all matters concerning the local community. Municipal
regulations and the water laws of the different German federal states stipulate that
drinking water supply is usually, and wastewater disposal is always, an obligation
of the local authorities. On that basis, municipalities decide on the local implementation and organisation of water supply and wastewater disposal.
With a view to effectively realising drinking water supply and wastewater disposal, municipalities may form associations for voluntary cooperation. To some
extent, municipalities (such as in North Rhine-Westphalia) are members of water
management associations (Wasserverbände, such as the Waterboard Eifel-Rur),
which are subject to special laws.
2 In addition to these compulsory tasks, municipalities have to fulfil partial tasks regarding the implementation of environmental
laws issued by the government and the German Federal States.
Among other responsibilities, the lower water authorities, as supervisory/
executive authorities, approve flooding areas, wastewater systems, wastewater
treatment plants, small sewage works, wastewater and rainwater discharges, water
supply facilities, the use of water bodies, such as abstraction from surface water and
exceptional approvals for water and medicinal spring protection areas.
4.2.4 Historical Approach to Droughts and Their Effects
on Drinking Water and Water Quality
There is as yet no strategic, long-term approach to drought management in North
Rhine-Westphalia’s water management. There is also no incorporation of climate
2
Profile of the German Water Sector (2011), available under http://www.dvgw.de/fileadmin/dvgw/
wasser/organisation/branchenbild2011_en.pdf.
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R. Vidaurre et al.
of eutrophication with effects such as algal blooms, etc. Concerning climate change,
with longer dry and sunny periods, this problem is expected to increase.
The total length of flowing surface waters in the WVER service area managed by
the waterboard is approx. 1900 km. (These are all the waters in the northern part of
the service area downstream of the reservoirs.) WVER is responsible for the
management of these waters, as well as for the operation of 50 flood retention
basins and other flood control works.
4.2.3 The Role of Municipalities and Lower Water
Authorities in Water Management
The German Basic Law (Article 28 (2)) and most constitutions of the German
Länder ensure the local self-government of districts, towns and municipalities.
Self-government comprises all matters concerning the local community. Municipal
regulations and the water laws of the different German federal states stipulate that
drinking water supply is usually, and wastewater disposal is always, an obligation
of the local authorities. On that basis, municipalities decide on the local implementation and organisation of water supply and wastewater disposal.
With a view to effectively realising drinking water supply and wastewater disposal, municipalities may form associations for voluntary cooperation. To some
extent, municipalities (such as in North Rhine-Westphalia) are members of water
management associations (Wasserverbände, such as the Waterboard Eifel-Rur),
which are subject to special laws.
2 In addition to these compulsory tasks, municipalities have to fulfil partial tasks regarding the implementation of environmental
laws issued by the government and the German Federal States.
Among other responsibilities, the lower water authorities, as supervisory/
executive authorities, approve flooding areas, wastewater systems, wastewater
treatment plants, small sewage works, wastewater and rainwater discharges, water
supply facilities, the use of water bodies, such as abstraction from surface water and
exceptional approvals for water and medicinal spring protection areas.
4.2.4 Historical Approach to Droughts and Their Effects
on Drinking Water and Water Quality
There is as yet no strategic, long-term approach to drought management in North
Rhine-Westphalia’s water management. There is also no incorporation of climate
2
Profile of the German Water Sector (2011), available under http://www.dvgw.de/fileadmin/dvgw/
wasser/organisation/branchenbild2011_en.pdf.
70
R. Vidaurre et al.