The basins ensure that polluted surface water from the roads does not end up unfiltered in nature or in bodies of water. This is particularly important in the event of accidents involving petrol or diesel: pollutants can be retained in the basins and then extracted. "The water from the road drainage system first flows through the basin so that foreign substances can settle there," says Holz. Suspended matter also settles to the bottom over time. Only then is the purified water discharged - for example into the Neckar.
Cleaning every five to seven years
The plants are cleaned approximately every five to seven years. The accumulated sludge is removed and disposed of properly. An engineering firm then checks the basins for possible damage. The systems are then refilled with water and put back into operation.
Basins with different functions
So-called rainwater clarifiers and rainwater retention basins fulfill different tasks: Rainwater clarifiers clean the surface water. Pollutants and suspended matter settle there before the water is discharged into bodies of water. Rainwater retention basins are used for drainage and flood protection. They ensure that large volumes of water - such as during heavy rainfall - do not flow unchecked into towns or bodies of water.
Regular maintenance and cleaning of these facilities is therefore an important contribution to environmental and water protection. At the same time, the basins help to safely manage road drainage and reduce the impact of heavy rainfall events. The work of the Ludwigsburg road maintenance department ensures that this often invisible infrastructure functions reliably.
