Desk 1

The water protection area is defined by an ordinance which includes the extension of the protection zones, prohibitions and conditions.

Protection zone 1 ("catchment area") is completely forested and may only be entered for the purpose of managing and protecting the dam. The dense vegetation reduces the effect of heavy precipitation and thus erosion and surface flooding (introduction of turbidity, nutrients and pathogens) into the dam water.

Protection zone 2 ("narrower zone") protects the waters entering the dam and thus also prevents the direct input of nutrients, pollutants and pathogens into the dam. The prevention of sewage phenomena is particularly important here.

Protection zone 3 ("further zone") protects the dam from the effects of human activities. Prohibited here are, for example, the spreading of liquid manure or pesticides, the storage of hazardous substances, clear cutting in forests, mass livestock farming and waste landfills.

Desk 2/3

The Steinbach brings dirt particles into the outer barrier. Coarse dirt particles are deposited in the auxiliary dam. Fine particles reach the main barrier where they can settle over time.

Desk 4: Flocculation

Column 1:

Shows raw water from the dam that still has to be cleaned.

Column 2:

By adding a flocculant and stirring intensively, the impurities form flakes which can be filtered off.

Column 3:

After a calming phase, the formed flakes settle.

There's purified "clear water" above it.

Desk 5: Particle retention

Desk 6: Deacidification

For drinking water it is important to adjust the balance of lime and carbonic acid. Water with higher carbonic acid contents than equilibrium is corrosive to some materials and may cause damage to piping and fittings.

Desk 7

On the safe side with the help of "traitors".

One of the most important aspects in the assessment of drinking water quality is the question of whether pathogens are present. Microorganisms (germs, viruses, bacteria) are usually so small that they can neither be seen with the naked eye nor with a magnifying glass. Since the direct detection of various possible pathogens in drinking water is not feasible, a lead germ system was developed for microbiological monitoring. A coli bacterium of our intestinal flora (Escherichia coli, E. coli) serves as a "traitor" of pathogens. In this way, the risk of drinking water contamination with wastewater, human or animal excreta and potential pathogens can be identified.

The Drinking Water Ordinance stipulates that E. coli must not be detectable in a water sample of 100 ml.