Technical fresh cell treatment: Bautzen dam is being put through its paces!

Technical fresh cell treatment: Bautzen dam is being put through its paces!

In Upper Lusatia, exciting things are happening at the Oehna dam, which is part of the integrated system around the Bautzen dam. Dr. Gerrit Salveter, owner of an engineering office in Dresden, and Stefan Jentsch, operations manager of the Saxony State Dam Administration, took charge of checking the preliminary dam. Current year-round work includes extensive technical reviews to be carried out between October and November 2025. This is a TÜV, but for hydraulic structures, not for cars.

The water level at the preliminary dam has currently dropped significantly, making the drainage channel to the main dam visible. This measure has the advantage that it is used to test the technology around the Bautzen reservoir. Since April, the water level in the dam has fallen by four meters, and in order to carry out the upcoming work optimally, the pre-dam was lowered by a further meter. Such measures are common in the fall months to store water for the summer, as seen in previous examples.

Technical tests and monitoring

The reviews focus on various areas, including hydraulic steel construction, systems engineering and the stability of two bridges. This provides information about the condition of the critical infrastructure, which is of considerable importance for the functionality of the dam. However, it is not recommended to use dry areas; they can be unpredictably solid or unstable. The work must proceed quickly so that the Bautzen dam can once again fulfill its main function as a water storage facility in winter.

Historical perspectives and leisure opportunities

The Bautzen dam, which was put into operation in 1975, has undergone various changes over the years, including extensive repairs to the dams from 1999 to 2002. The special relationship with the region is also reflected in the history, as the villages of Malsitz and Nimschütz were relocated to build the dam. The dam itself remains not only a technical marvel, but also a place for those seeking relaxation. Whether swimming, sailing or hiking - the leisure options are diverse, even if warnings about beach closures are occasionally issued in summer due to blue-green algae.

Overall, it appears that the technical reviews are not only a necessity, but also an opportunity to ensure the structure and functionality of the water system in the long term. The experiences of the past few years, especially 1999 and 2000, where similarly extensive work took place, help to implement the initiative efficiently.

For the future, it will be important to carry out such tight inspections regularly in order to ensure the safety and operation of the dam. A lot will happen in the coming weeks, and we can't wait to see what the engineers and technicians around the Bautzen dam will achieve.

alles-lausitz.de reports that…
academic.ru provides information about the Bautzen dam...