Where does the water go? The Quenzgraben answers this question. It is more than just a ditch. The Quenzgraben is a testament to human intervention in nature. This artificial waterway plays a vital role in Brandenburg an der Havel. It manages the region’s water levels.
The Quenzgraben is a constructed stream. It serves a crucial purpose. It drains the Gördensee and the wetlands of the southern Bohnenland-Görden-Rinne. The water flows into the Quenzsee. From there, it makes its way into the Havel. The Havel eventually flows into the Elbe and then into the North Sea.
Its path begins at the southern edge of the Gördensee. The Quenzgraben travels in a southeasterly direction. It follows the Bohnenland-Görden-Rinne. This is a valley formed during the ice age. This glacial feature includes wetlands. The Quenzgraben drains the southern part of these wetlands.
The Quenzgraben changes direction after about 600 meters. It turns south. After another 600 meters, it heads southwest. Finally, it empties into the Quenzsee. This happens at the lake’s northern end. The Quenzgraben including the lake stretches nearly 3.7 kilometers. It drains a drainage basin of 11.41 square kilometers.
The existence of the Quenzgraben speaks volumes. The Görden Forest and Bohnenland Lake lie to the north. These lakes formed in a glacial valley. They originally lacked natural drainage. The Quenzgraben and Eisengraben were constructed. This changed everything. Now, the lakes lose water.
These lakes are shrinking. They are affected by unnatural siltation. The Gördensee was once much larger. In the late 18th century, it stretched twice as far north to south. Its water surface was about 50 percent larger. Today, the lost water areas are covered. They are covered with moorland soil. Extensive reeds also cover the area. These dying lakes are a direct consequence of the Quenzgraben. It demonstrates human impact on the environment.
Next time you pass the Quenzgraben, remember its story. It is a story of engineering and environmental change. It is a reminder of our power to shape the world around us. It is also a call to consider the consequences of our actions.