Water ecology measures

Sub-project D of the HWS Murg Rastatt project aims to improve the aquatic ecology of the Murg and thus increase the quality of the habitat in the watercourse. The plans envisage areas 3 and 4 for this: from the railroad bridge to the freeway bridge. Water ecology improvements have already been implemented in sections 1 and 2 as part of the Rastatt HÖP (sub-project A). Prior to this, the Murg was surveyed by the state study on water ecology (LSGÖ) and a concept of measures was developed. The measures contained therein now serve as a guideline for the upcoming planning of the water ecology measures.

What is planned?

The plan is to install deadwood structures and fish shelters, among other things. The aim is also to create permanently deep zones with cold water - important habitats for fish in the Murg, even in hot summers and when water levels are low. There are also plans to remove bank protections so that bank structures can develop in a near-natural way. These measures are intended to implement the requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD): The structural diversity in the watercourse will be established, thereby improving the habitat function for fish, plants and small creatures.

In addition to the measures already taken to improve water quality (e.g. reduction of harmful water discharges), this improvement in water structure is another major element in improving water ecology.

The current planning of the water ecology measures can be downloaded here:

Further information

Further information on the topic of the state study on the ecology of water bodies of the first order can be found on the website of the Karlsruhe Regional Council.

A brief description of the LSGÖ Murg can also be found on the website of the Karlsruhe Regional Council.

NOTE: The Murg Rastatt flood protection, dam rehabilitation and aquatic ecology project is currently in the planning phase. The project website is therefore under construction and will be updated regularly.