Have you ever wondered what happens to the water after it rains? The Pulheimer Bach has always been a vital part of life for the surrounding community, but it has also been a source of mystery and fascination. The Pulheimer Bach is a stream located northwest of Cologne, Germany. It flows through the municipalities of Bergheim and Pulheim, and it has a total length of approximately 8 kilometers. What makes this stream special is that it has neither a source nor a mouth in the traditional sense. It starts near the Eastern slopes of the Ville, a large nature reserve in Bergheim-Glessen, and it ends in a large depression called the “Große Laache,” where it gradually seeps into the ground.
You are standing right now at the edge of this depression, gazing at the green, tranquil waters. During the 1960s, the Bach was encased in concrete for flood prevention, but it lost its meandering natural course and its floodplain areas in the process. In recent years, a change of heart has occurred regarding the original course. The area has been restored to give the stream more space during periods of heavy rainfall. This allows the Bach to regulate its flow in a more natural way. The water quality of the Pulheimer Bach is vital to the drinking water supply for the Cologne region. The Bach’s importance extends far beyond its scenic beauty. It plays a vital role in the Cologne area’s drinking water supply. In 2007 and 2008, as part of the Regionale 2010 program, the Bach was renatured in a massive undertaking that required substantial funding and technical expertise. An intriguing fact is that the stream is considered a closed ecosystem because it doesn’t flow into any other water body.
Parts of the Bach have been successfully renatured, including the section where the Pulheimer Bach Educational and Learning Laboratory is located. The Pulheimer Bach is truly a testament to the importance of water conservation and ecological restoration. It serves as a reminder that even in urbanized areas, nature can be preserved and nurtured to create a space for both ecological and human enjoyment.