Practical solutions at the interface of structural change, climate adaptation, and water management for tomorrow‘s challenges
The phase-out of coal and the accompanying structural change are fundamentally transforming the Rheinisches Revier and also posing new challenges for water management. With the end of opencast mining, a large proportion of the drainage water will no longer be discharged in future, while the groundwater level will rise again in the long term. At the same time, climate change and extreme weather are creating new challenges for water management. The STARK-funded AquaRevier project is investigating how climate-resilient, sustainable water management can be designed in the region. In five case studies, researchers, local authorities and partners from the field are working together to develop strategies for sustainable water use and integrated management.
The coal phase-out and the accompanying structural transformation will have a significant impact on many areas of the Rheinisches Revier. In addition to infrastructural and social changes, this transformation also affects the region‘s water balance. While groundwater levels are expected to rise in the long term after the closure of open-pit mines, a substantial amount of previously discharged, treated mine drainage water will no longer be available. As a result, surface water bodies, especially rivers and streams, are expected to experience reduced baseflows. At the same time, climatic conditions are becoming increasingly challenging: more frequent droughts, heatwaves and heavy rainfall events are directly affecting both water availability and demand.
The STARK-funded project AquaRevier investigates how a future-proof, climate-resilient and efficient water management system can be established in the Rheinisches Revier – and how competing water uses can be balanced. The project is implemented by a consortium of four main partners: the Research Institute for Water Management and Climate Future at RWTH Aachen University (FiW), RWTH Aachen University with the Chair of Physical Geography and Climatology (PGK), the Institute of Sanitary Engineering (ISA), and the Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources Management (IWW). Further partners include the Eifel-Rur Water Board (WVER) and the City of Eschweiler. The project also collaborates closely with stakeholders from local and regional administrations as well as practical implementation partners.
At the core of the project are five case studies addressing the following topics:
- Reservoir management under climate change (WVER)
- Innovative flood risk management in small catchments beyond reservoirs (IWW)
- Industrial water reuse (ISA)
- Stormwater management for commercial and urban areas (FiW)
- Water use strategies in agriculture (FiW)
Through participatory processes, best-practice approaches are being developed together with local and regional stakeholders. Within the project, PGK analyzes various climate scenarios and assesses their impact on relevant water management parameters. These parameters are defined jointly with the case study leads, who then derive conclusions and propose concrete adaptation measures. The City of Eschweiler contributes its municipal perspective, provides practical examples and actively supports the implementation of measures on site.
The goal of AquaRevier is to develop an integrated and adaptive water management concept for the Rheinisches Revier. This concept aims to ensure a reliable water supply for all key sectors – including agriculture, industry and municipalities – even under changing climatic and structural conditions. A key project outcome will be a practical toolbox for water managers. In parallel, a regional competence network will be established to serve as a long-term point of contact for stakeholders in the region.
Funding Agency
Project Partners
Institute of Environmental Engineering (ISA)
Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources (IWW)
Physical Geography and Climatology Teaching and Research Area (PGK)
Wasserverband Eifel-Rur (WVER)
the City of Eschweiler
