After one and a half years of intensive work, it is done: The municipality of Quierschied has completed its flood and heavy rain precaution concept and presented it to around 40 interested citizens on Tuesday evening in the Q.lisse. The costs for developing the concept amount to approximately 110,000 euros (gross) and are subsidized at 90 percent by the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Mobility, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (MUKMAV).
Together with the commissioned engineering firms CAD Infrastruktur and ingGIS, the Quierschied Volunteer Fire Department, and numerous committed citizens, the municipality had developed the concept step by step since the kick-off event at the end of 2024. After presenting the results, many of those present took the opportunity to describe individual circumstances and challenges from their immediate environment. The experts present answered the questions patiently and also welcomed new suggestions in order to incorporate them into the "living document".
116 individual measures for all municipal districts
The concept defines a total of 116 individual measures for all three municipal districts, which can be funded by the state at up to 80 percent during their implementation. The municipal council will prioritize the measures and gradually include the necessary funds in the budget planning.
“Some of the measures can be implemented in the short term, others may take a few years – and some have already been or are currently being implemented,” explained Mayor Lutz Maurer and added: “Due to the well-known strained financial situation of municipalities in Germany, it is not foreseeable what can be implemented when. But the municipality of Quierschied started this process some time ago and is in the process of doing its homework.”
The largest individual measure is already underway at the outdoor swimming pool
Sewer construction measures are not eligible for funding by the state – the municipal utilities will cover these costs. This also applies to the financially largest measure within the flood protection framework: the sewer construction site in the area of the outdoor swimming pool. It is currently paused for the duration of the outdoor pool operation. Another measure, the upsizing of the sewer in the cemetery area in Fischbach-Camphausen, is currently being planned in close cooperation with the Saar Disposal Association and is to be included in the 2027 budget as well as implemented in the same year. This was reported by Wolfgang Kallenbach, Technical Director of the Quierschied Municipal Utilities.
„Good basis for measurable improvements"
„I am very glad that we have developed this concept. This has brought measurability and quality into the discussion and created a good basis. Now we have recommendations for action from experts, and measures are being implemented that lead to further significant improvements in flood and heavy rain preparedness," said Mayor Lutz Maurer, adding: „Furthermore, we continue to strive to support you as best as possible in private initiatives. Because it is clear: Such heavy rain events, which we have already painfully experienced, will increase and intensify further due to climate change – but most importantly: They cannot be prevented.”
Jörg Kirsch, graduate geographer and environmental engineer (M.Sc.) at the engineering office ingGIS, also emphasized the shared responsibility: "Flood and heavy rain prevention is a joint task. The municipality can do quite a bit here, but the owners are also obligated and responsible for protecting their property as best as possible. The concept serves as a common and permanent basis for work."
Further information
The presentation of the closing event, contact details of the contact persons, as well as many other information and tips on flood and heavy rain prevention in the municipality of Quierschied can be found by those interested at www.quierschied.de/starkregen.
