Accompanying research for groundwater development at the site “Heiliger Born”

The project accompanies the development process of the “Heiliger Born” site for water extraction by Stadtwerke Marburg GmbH (SWMR). By including this site in the water extraction process, the municipal utilities aim to ease the strain on the existing groundwater extraction points. At the same time, the intent is to thus create new scope to meet peaks in demand for drinking water supply. This process is accompanied by a research project that aims to assess the expected future development of drinking water demand and to involve relevant stakeholders in a dialogue from an early stage. It is thus intended to support Stadtwerke Marburg in its endeavors to ensure the security of the drinking water supply in a sustainable manner.

Scientific approach

The interdisciplinary project team uses a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. The project headed by ISOE aims to generate an additional knowledge base that helps dealing with upcoming decisions to be taken by Stadtwerke Marburg and other relevant local authorities. At the same time, the goal is to create transparency and involve key stakeholders.

To this end, ISOE is using model-based analyses to examine the development of drinking water demand in the participating municipalities up to the year 2050, taking into account factors such as climate and population developments, technical innovations and changes in user behavior. Scenarios are used to assess possible future developments s based on official forecasts and expert opinions. In cooperation with TU Berlin, a closer look is also taken at water use in the pharmaceutical industry. Subsequently, recommendations for maintaining security of supply and an assessment of the future role of “Heiliger Born” will be derived.

In addition, ISOE and the consultancy corso della vita are jointly responsible for organizing a round table in which representatives of the participating municipalities and relevant interest groups are invited to attend. The round table serves to share information and knowledge on the groundwater development at “Heiliger Born” and also to determine existing interests and needs. By providing early communication about the project and actively involving key stakeholders, the process is to gain transparency. Another aim is to thus create space for questions and concerns and provide a framework for dealing with potential conflicts.

Background

Fifty percent of Marburg's drinking water supply is provided by an upstream supplier. The other half of the drinking water requirement is covered by Stadtwerke Marburg's extraction plants via a large number of wells and springs in the Marburg region. Stadtwerke Marburg is working intensively on making its water supply infrastructure resilient to the expected climatic changes. An important component is the planned “Heiliger Born” exploratory drill. This measure is intended to help ensure security of supply even in times of climate change and to utilize water resources in a sustainable manner.