An innovative solution for ensuring the provision of electricity for pumping stations in groundwater protection zones in compliance with water protection regulations even in the case of a power failure.
Even if the electricity shortage is still theoretical at the moment, extraordinary natural events always pose an acute risk of power outages. In the future, the transition from nuclear power to renewable energies and the liberalisation of the electricity market could also lead to power shortages or even blackouts. This would also have a direct impact on water supply: In Switzerland, most water supplies are at least partially operated with high-power electric pumps. Possible power failures could be bridged with the help of backup generators (“emergency power generators”). However, many pumping stations (e.g. groundwater wells) are located in groundwater protection zones. This is also the case for the Seeländische Wasserversorgung Gemeindeverband (SWG) in Worben. Conventional solutions with diesel generators are prohibited by law because of the risk of groundwater contamination and are therefore not feasible.
«In order to be able to guarantee the stability and availability of the electrical supply even in exceptional situations, we looked for an innovative and water protection-compliant solution together with STEBATEC and its partner companies», says SWG Managing Director Roman Wiget.
