Consider this: Berlin’s ingenious solution to managing rainwater. These are the Regenwasser-Rückhaltebecken. These basins dot the Marzahn-Hellersdorf district and serve a vital purpose. They are not natural ponds. They are technical structures designed to manage rainwater runoff.
These Regenwasser-Rückhaltebecken are especially important due to Berlin’s unique water challenges. The city is located in a dry region. Managing rainwater effectively is crucial. Berlin aims to act like a sponge, absorbing and storing rainwater. The Regenwasser-Rückhaltebecken are a key part of this strategy.
Let’s explore some specific examples. The Regenrückhaltebecken Alfred-Döblin-Straße sits between Märkische Allee and Bürgerpark Marzahn. It is often dry and features diverse trees. Oaks, lindens, maples, and poplars thrive here. A walking path surrounds the basin, and a small staircase leads into it.
Then there’s the Regenrückhaltebecken Cecilienstraße. Constructed in the 1980s, it is a shallow basin near the Wuhle River. The water surface is hidden beneath reed canary grass. This basin is left to natural development, fostering biodiversity. It is an ecologically significant part of the Wuhletal.
The Regenrückhaltebecken Dahlwitzer Straße is east of Hellersdorf. A fence encloses its triangular shape. Various trees like elder, hazel, maple, birch, and willow have taken root. The area also hosts the giant hogweed and protected species. These include the Wechselkröte, the Zauneidechse, insects, and reptiles.
In the Wolfener Straße industrial area, you will find the Regenrückhaltebecken Hellersdorfer Weg. It was built in 1999 to handle drainage. It is large enough to accommodate rainwater from surrounding commercial areas. The basin is fenced and grassed. It releases rainwater into the Neue Wuhle river.
The Regenrückhaltebecken Hohensaatener Straße is east of Blumberger Damm. It is bordered by willows, lindens, and elder bushes. The basin descends in two stages, reaching a depth of four meters. The rainwater inlet is usually dry.
At the edge of Paul-Schwenk-Straße lies another Regenrückhaltebecken. Measuring about 150 by 80 meters, it is covered in green grass. Weiden, ahorn, pappeln und haselnuss trees stand around it. A walking path passes by the basin.
Encircled by tram tracks is the Regenrückhaltebecken Trusetaler Straße. It features a strong growth of trees and shrubs. The basin slope is gentle. The inlet and outlet pipes are easily visible.
Finally, on the grounds of Knorr-Bremse, you can observe another Regenrückhaltebecken. Two brick inlets and outlets are on its east side. The water level is minimal. Reed vegetation and various birch, willow, and locust trees grow along the steep slope.
These Regenwasser-Rückhaltebecken demonstrate Berlin’s commitment to sustainable water management. They are crucial for mitigating flooding and protecting the city’s waterways. These basins play a silent but vital role in keeping Berlin resilient.