Gehrenbach-Stausee

Gazing upon the tranquil waters of the Gehrenbach-Stausee, it’s hard to imagine this serene spot was purpose-built. The Gehrenbach-Stausee, completed in 1977, isn’t just a picturesque lake. It serves a vital function, protecting Schwerte from the unpredictable wrath of the Gehrenbach. This seemingly peaceful brook, originating near the Freischütz in the Schwerter Wald, has a history of flooding the town and the surrounding valley. The Gehrenbach-Stausee, therefore, acts as a crucial flood control mechanism, a rainwater retention basin. It holds back the surging waters after heavy rains, preventing a potential deluge. The Gehrenbach-Stausee then releases the water gradually into the Mühlenstrang, a waterway that eventually joins the Ruhr near Schwerte’s old town. This controlled release prevents a sudden surge of water into the Ruhr, safeguarding the town. The Gehrenbach-Stausee boasts a permanent reservoir of approximately 35,000 cubic meters. It also has a significant additional capacity for floodwater, totaling about 91,500 cubic meters. A smaller pre-basin, which underwent extensive renovations in 2004, lies upstream. It provides an initial buffer against rising water levels, further enhancing the Gehrenbach-Stausee’s effectiveness. A grim discovery in November 2023 added an unexpected layer to the Gehrenbach-Stausee’s story. Anglers found a human skull near the shore. This sparked an investigation by the Unna and Dortmund police. The skull’s age and identity remain a mystery. This chilling find serves as a stark reminder that even tranquil places like the Gehrenbach-Stausee hold secrets beneath their placid surface. The Gehrenbach-Stausee stands as a testament to human ingenuity. It offers a striking example of how a practical necessity can be transformed into a place of quiet beauty.