The Darmstadt Regional Council is urging dischargers to reduce heat inputs and water pollution
The ongoing heat wave has warmed the Main River to a critical water temperature of 27 degrees Celsius. The Darmstadt Regional Council has therefore called on companies and other polluters along the river to take measures to reduce the burden on the waterway.
As water temperatures rise, the river's ability to absorb oxygen decreases. This significantly deteriorates living conditions for fish and other aquatic organisms.
The Darmstadt Regional Council points out that when water temperatures reach 25 degrees Celsius, all possible measures should be taken to reduce heat discharges into the Main River. At the same time, residual pollution in the discharged wastewater should be kept as low as possible, and the oxygenation of the water should be improved. Corresponding requirements and guidelines are already included in the water permits issued to the affected dischargers.
The measures will remain in place until the weather situation eases and water temperatures drop.
The Hessian State Office for Nature Conservation, Environment and Geology (HLNUG) continuously publishes current measurements of water temperature, oxygen content and forecasts for further developments on its website.
(DARMSTADT – RED/RPDA)
