Above the gentle ripples of Stausee Hengsen, a lone cormorant takes flight. It circles the small island, a stark reminder of nature’s delicate balance. Stausee Hengsen, also known as Geisecker See, isn’t just a picturesque body of water. It’s a vital resource for Dortmund, a reservoir built for drinking water in 1937. The lake sits north of the Ruhr river’s main flow. Interestingly, the Ruhr doesn’t directly feed Stausee Hengsen. Instead, a weir diverts water into the lake, creating an island between the reservoir and the river’s natural course. This island, known as Hengsen Island, is a focus for hydrologists and water management experts. The water eventually returns to the Ruhr at the southwest end of Stausee Hengsen. While other Ruhr reservoirs might be larger or more recreational, Stausee Hengsen holds a unique charm. The name comes from the nearby Ortsteil Hengsen in Holzwickede. Hengsen was an independent community when the reservoir was created. In Schwerte, it’s known as Geiseckersee due to its proximity to Schwerte-Geisecke. Even ornithologists, who often observe the birdlife here, refer to it as Geisecker See or Geiseckesee. Officially, in the Gewässernetz NRW, it’s listed as Staubecken-Schwerte-Geisecke. Owned and operated by DEW, Dortmund’s energy and water provider, Stausee Hengsen serves as a crucial part of the Hengsen waterworks. The reservoir aids in sedimentation and groundwater recharge. Over time, regulations to protect this drinking water source have limited recreational activities. Yet, a pathway at the western edge offers glimpses of the serene lake and its central island. While tourist activity is restricted, Stausee Hengsen supports a thriving ecosystem. Since 1993, a cormorant colony has called the island home. Their presence, however, has dramatically altered the island’s landscape, with their droppings gradually decimating the vegetation over the years. Stausee Hengsen stands as a quiet testament to the balance between human need and environmental protection.
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