Reconstruction water supply
Secure drinking water supply on the Patscherkofel
80-year-old pipes are being replaced by new ones
The water supply system on the Patscherkofel is getting on in years. It was built over 80 years ago, in 1939. A reliable drinking water supply can no longer be guaranteed with the existing system. After the preparatory work for the important project for the ski resort and the population began in spring, work on the renovation will start on June 10.
It is an extremely sensible investment for the future of the Patscherkofel ski and hiking area. Those responsible at Patscherkofelbahn Infrastruktur GmbH, the Weber family (THW Gastro GmbH) and the property owner ARE-Austria Real Estate GmbH are showing foresight with their project. Adrian Egger, Managing Director of Patscherkofelbahn Infrastruktur GmbH, explains: “In winter, a burst water pipe in the 80-year-old spring drainage system could lead to a permanent loss of drinking water supply in the Patscherkofel ski area if the snow conditions are right. This would also mean that the waste water, e.g. from the toilets in the restaurants and huts, could no longer be disposed of properly." To prevent such a worst-case scenario, the owners of the affected springs have joined forces in a joint renovation project. The investment costs will be borne by the three companies on a pro rata basis.
Meeting hygiene standards and improving drinking water quality
"During the renovation, five existing springs on the Patscherkofel will be reclaimed. This will bring the system up to the current state of the art and improve the quality of the drinking water. In addition, specially designated protection zones are planned, which play a decisive role in the hygiene of the drinking water. The fact that there were previously no fenced, tree-free protection zones has exacerbated the whole problem,” says project manager Thomas Schwarzenauer from Innsbrucker Kommunalbetriebe (IKB). The emergency supply included in the scope of the project and the optimization of operations through remote maintenance should ensure seamless safety in the drinking water supply in the future. The necessary water, forestry and nature conservation permits for the project have been obtained from the state.
Necessary clearing and basin installation
In order to be able to recapture the springs, the areas of the protection zones must be kept free of trees and shrubs. The preparatory clearing work was carried out in March so as not to interfere with the bird breeding season. Construction work on the mountain will begin on Monday, June 10. Once the construction work is complete - probably in late autumn 2024 - the swards will be immediately and sustainably planted with site-appropriate and height-adapted seed.
Positive effect for Patscherkofel-Zirmweg
All of the expert opinions required for the permit show that laying the new pump line on the Patscherkofelweg is clearly preferable to the old route. In the opinion of the experts, the new route along the existing forest path, on tree-free pastureland or on slopes and lift routes, is clearly the better option than replacing the pipeline on the existing route, which runs through a dense Swiss stone pine forest.
Technical support and coordination
In the course of the preparatory work and the renovation, technical expertise was also obtained from the Provincial Environmental Ombudsman's Office. The project was planned in such a way as to minimize the impact on nature during the clearing, excavation and earthworks. This means that there will only be temporary disruptions during the construction work. All remediation measures are monitored, coordinated and documented by an expert hydraulic engineering site supervisor and a geological site supervisor. The public will be informed about temporary obstructions or any diversions/closures on the forest road by means of construction boards and here.
IKB is laying new drinking water pipes, as the old ones are in need of renovation and at risk of failing, and also no longer meet current hygiene regulations.
The forest road will be reconstructed after the pipes have been laid and the road surface will be regravelled.
In order to guarantee a perfect drinking water supply for the new spring catchments, the spring protection areas must be kept free of shrubs and trees in the long term. This was neglected in the existing spring catchments, which led to gross damage and severely limited function. In order to In order to be able to capture the springs anew, this vegetation must first be cleared.
The relocation of the pump line on the Patscherkofelweg is not very problematic from the point of view of nature conservation law and is preferred to a line replacement on the existing route, which runs through a dense pine forest. line, which runs through a dense Swiss stone pine forest.
The current choice of route offers the greatest possible protection of the existing vegetation (stone pines). vegetation (Swiss stone pines).
65 m of the route are located in a nature conservation area, but this is of no however, this is not a problem, as the pipeline can be laid without the need for clearing The route is free of trees and shrubs.
A more complete spring collection could slightly increase the drinking water quantity; the hygiene standards according to the applicable ÖNORM Austrian Drinking Water Ordinance are complied with; an emergency supply becomes possible and the operation is optimised overall optimised.
Yes, the outdated system no longer corresponds to the current state of the art. The poor condition of the system has a negative impact on the quality of the drinking water. and there is a high risk of failure. A secure water supply can no longer be can no longer be guaranteed.
In the event of unforeseeable failures, a replacement water supply is provided. is provided.