New water supply system on the Belchen ensures grazing in the Black Forest

New water supply system on the Belchen ensures grazing in the Black Forest

The municipality of Schönenberg in the Lörrach district has embarked on an exciting project to modernize the pasture water supply. This measure is not only an answer to the challenges of dry summers, but also an important step towards securing the water supply for grazing animals and preserving the cultural landscape in the Black Forest biosphere area.

As part of the modernization, the pipe system from the cold water source to the upper chair level on the Belchen will be renewed. This cold water spring is the origin of an extensive drinking water network that extends through several communities to the valley near Schönau. In addition, the Belchenhaus is integrated into the water supply, which increases the efficiency of the system.

Focus on farm animals

Cows, which require between 80 and 100 liters of water daily, particularly benefit from this innovation. Often local sources are simply not sufficient to meet this need. The new water pipes are now intended to tap into abundant sources in order to enable a sufficient drinking water network for the approximately 163 hectares of pastureland. These measures play a central role in promoting grazing and biodiversity in the Black Forest.

The project is financed by the Baden-Württemberg Nature Conservation Fund Foundation, supported by the Black Forest Biosphere Reserve. The structural planning is carried out by dwd Ingenieur GmbH. The whole thing is based on the renovation plans of the pilot project “Weidewasser am Belchen” and aims to develop a sustainable water supply concept for grazing animals in several mountainous communities, such as Wieden, Aitern, Schönenberg, Böllen and Neuenweg.

An answer to the climate crisis

The background to this initiative is particularly important given the climate challenges facing the region. Extreme weather events are increasing and making a functioning landscape water balance essential. Only if water availability is guaranteed can healthy ecosystems and diverse flora and fauna be maintained. The renaturation of rivers and floodplains is only part of the bigger picture, because problems such as increasing drought or the risk of floods require comprehensive measures.

In Germany, unfortunately only 9% of rivers and lakes are in good ecological condition. Climate change, intensive land use and interventions in nature have disrupted the balance of the water balance. This makes it all the more important to launch projects like the one in Schönenberg that not only support the management of pastures, but also ensure a strong and resilient landscape

In summary, it can be said that the modernization of the pasture water supply on the Belchen is of great importance not only for animal husbandry, but above all for the entire region. A good hand in planning and implementation could also set standards in other mountain regions and sustainably secure water supplies in the face of climate change.

You can find more details about the project at Euwid Wasser and on that Black Forest messenger. Further information about the importance of a stable water balance is available on the Website of the Federal Environment Agency to find.