Demands for a monetary value of over a billion dollars for Hesse's water and sewage infrastructure systems

Massive Call for Management of Hesse's Water and Sewage Infrastructure. - Massive Financing Required for Hessen's Water and Sewage Infrastructure

In the Rhine-Main region, Hessenwasser has initiated a significant project - the new Ried pipeline, a 35-kilometer pipeline designed to supply drinking water. This initiative comes as part of a broader focus on maintenance, renewal, and climate adaptation in Hesse's infrastructure.

Recently, a water pipe burst in Wiesbaden city center, causing major traffic disruptions and necessitating the replacement of a section from 1954. The incident underscores the need for investment in Hesse's water supply system.

Thomas Abel, head of the water department at VKU's headquarters, emphasises the importance of a secure and affordable water supply. He notes that rising construction costs and stricter environmental regulations will necessitate increased investment in the future.

The VKU Regional Group Hessen has planned key projects for the next 20 years. These include modernising and expanding drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, upgrading treatment plants, expanding pipeline networks, and implementing digital monitoring systems. The total investment is expected to amount to several hundred million euros, ensuring sustainable water management and compliance with environmental standards.

The city of Frankfurt am Main alone has 1,600 kilometers of sewer. Around 10 to 15 percent of the total investment is needed for climate adaptation, such as dealing with longer dry periods or more frequent heavy rain events.

Martin Heindl, managing director of the VKU regional group, points out that many facilities in Hesse are nearing the end of their lifespan. The projected investment needs for Hesse's drinking water supply amount to 18.5 billion euros, while the projected investment needs for the sewage infrastructure amount to 46 billion euros.

Karsten Jost, the operator of Frankfurt's wastewater management, stresses that every leaky sewage network has negative effects on the environment. Damages to pipes under the street are not immediately visible and only become apparent when they fail.

In response, VKU CEO Heindl calls for the state government to advocate for a significant portion of the federal infrastructure special fund to flow into municipal public services. A successful example is the new waterworks in Allmendfeld-Gernsheim in the district of Groß-Gerau, operated by Hessenwasser, which went into operation in 2024.

In conclusion, the water industry is entering a major investment cycle, with Hesse's drinking water and sewage infrastructure requiring approximately 64.5 billion euros in investments over the next 20 years. The focus is on ensuring a secure and sustainable water supply, while also addressing the challenges posed by climate change.