The Rohrbach flows through the valley floodplain in Rentrisch. The approximately 18 km long river originates in the northern part of Kahlenberg in St. Ingbert, flows through the Rohrbach district, meanders through the St. Ingbert Basin via Rentrisch, Scheidt, Schafbrücke, and empties into the Saar near St. Arnual. Along its course, it collects water from various streams in the region. In Rentrisch, it runs alongside the railway track at the forest edge. For a long time, it was channeled by concrete shells on both the right and left banks, causing the water to flow at very high speeds, especially during heavy rain. Since the water could not seep into the floodplain, flooding in Rentrisch was common during heavy rainfalls.
For this reason, Gerd Lang, head of the water and flood protection unit, launched a pilot project in 2009 with the support of the municipal utilities as the landowner and funding from the Ministry of the Environment. This project became a model throughout Saarland. On a "test section" of about 70 meters, the concrete casing was removed. Only under the bridge was the casing left in place to protect the bridge pillars during floods. Natural gravel was introduced into the renaturalized stream, and control stones were placed to guide the water flow and prevent it from veering off course. Native trees and shrubs were planted along the banks for this type of water body. "The costs for this measure were relatively low, and intervention in nature occurred only during the construction phase," Lang explains. The result is impressive.
Small action – big impact
After almost 15 years, nature has now reclaimed the Rohrbach at this location. The near-natural stream now flows unhindered through the valley. Even during heavy rainfall, water can be retained in the floodplain. "We also have significantly less flooding in Rentrisch during heavy rain," confirms Mayor Nadine Backes. But not only the watercourse has benefited from the renaturation. Thanks to the now lush trees and bushes, the entire valley floodplain has become an idyllic recreational area. The adjacent water educational trail and the fitness equipment installed in Rentrisch in 2021, as well as the nearby shaded playground, invite both young and old to linger. Fauna and flora have also developed splendidly: "We now see plants here that did not exist before," says the local head of Rentrisch, Dieter Schörkl, with pleasure.
But not only fauna, flora, and the stream are benefiting from this development of nature. "Thanks to the renaturation, the Rentrisch valley floodplain has developed into a green oasis with a great microclimate, from which St. Ingbert and Saarbrücken benefit," confirms Markus Schmitt, Deputy for Sustainable Urban Development. Projects like these are becoming increasingly important in times of climate change and increased heavy rainfall events. Similar renaturation measures have also been carried out in St. Ingbert on the Rischbach, the Gehnbach, and in the area of the Drahtwerk Nord. Here too, the water can now be better retained in the near-riverbed soil.
“We need to rethink,” demands sustainability officer Claus Günther, “and consider how to create infiltration areas in all construction projects. No one can provide all-around protection, but if the city and each individual think about how to collect and reuse rainwater or let it seep into the ground, then we have already taken a big step,” he adds. In doing so, he points to the funding program “Aktion Wasserzeichen.” Here, citizens can apply for grants for decentralized rainwater management, for example through unsealing, infiltration, and retention cisterns. More information can be found at https://t1p.de/4fua4.
Recreational Area "Talaue Rentrisch"
The recreational area Talaue Rentrisch stretches from the street "Am Spellenstein" off Kaiserstraße towards Scheidt. At the beginning of a small tour, you can admire the Spellenstein in a front garden, a menhir that, according to legend, was thrown into the valley by the giant Kreuzmann from the Stiefel. A visit to the "Rentrischer Waschhaus," the original well of the district, is also worthwhile. From there, the bike and hiking trail leads into the valley meadows. Through lush greenery, you pass the Rentrisch waterworks and the water educational trail with fascinating information about the life-essential water. On the fitness course, citizens of all ages can engage in physical activity, for example on a rowing machine and an elliptical trainer, and then relax on various benches. Some spots are perfect for a picnic you bring along (please dispose of trash yourself!). On the shaded playground, children have plenty of space to romp and climb. Along the stream bank, you can observe numerous plants and animals. A quickly accessible and fantastic place for the whole family.
