Against water loss: hydrants are sealed
environment
In order to survive dry periods in the future, Salzburg’s water suppliers are working intensively on denser networks. This includes the sealing of the lines and above all the sealing of hydrants.
The potential is particularly great for hydrants: 15 million liters of water were lost in just one year in Schleedorf (Flachgau) and one in Wals-Siezenheim (Flachgau). The two hydrants had not been properly sealed. They then froze in winter and were knocked over by the ice.
Sealing: Water withdrawal only after consultation
Such large water losses must be prevented in the future, says Matthäus Wimmer, chairman of the umbrella organization of Salzburg water suppliers: “A hydrant is properly closed. Then you listen to see if it’s really tight. And then there is a plate that you put on it that has the contact details of the water supplier. Then you contact him and you can use the water. And the water supplier can ensure that he listens to it afterwards, seals it again and doesn’t lose gigantic amounts of water there.”
In emergencies – such as for the fire brigade – water can also be withdrawn without any problems. The seals are made in Salzburg and are to be distributed throughout the state. The plates for the contact details must be produced individually for each water supplier.
Groundwater level currently at a low level
Saving water is becoming more important: the groundwater levels in Salzburg are currently at a low level – especially in Flachgau, according to data from the state of Salzburg. The state emphasizes that this does not endanger the public drinking water supply.