Water samples are examined for traces of gasoline, heating oil and metals. However, the final results are not yet available.
Düren – After the flood, the Eifel-Rur Water Association (WVER) has the water in two dams in the Eifel checked for possible residues.
The samples from the Rurtal and Urft dams would be examined for traces of gasoline, heating oil and metals, said the association’s spokesman, Marcus Seiler. Results are not yet available. In the catchment area of the rivers that feed the Urfttalsperre and Rurtalsperre in the Eifel, heating oil tanks and petrol stations were under water during the flood.
The Rurtalsperre is the second largest dam in Germany with a capacity of 202.6 million cubic meters. It is located west of Euskirchen. One area of the dam network is part of the drinking water supply for 600,000 people in Aachen and the surrounding cities.
The spokesman said a result of the flooding was flotsam on the surface of the water. The association has rented boats that removed tree trunks, branches and washed up rubbish from the surface. First of all, boats are on the way on the Obersee, part of the Rurtalsperre, and on the Urfttalsperre. “Then it is the turn of the Rursee,” said the spokesman.
Water sports can be practiced on this northern part of the water. However, it is currently being warned against this. “Sailboats and surfers can be endangered by floating debris,” said the spokesman. dpa
