Rumpenheim Palace Park will be sustainably irrigated in future: construction of the rainwater collection system has begun

Work has now begun on implementing the sustainable irrigation option for replanting in Rumpenheim Palace Park using rainwater.

Due to repeated tree losses as a result of drought, around 100 climate-resilient trees are to be planted next year in accordance with the tree development concept. These young trees require an efficient water supply for the first five years, which the new system will ensure without the use of drinking water.

At the beginning of the year, the city councillors approved the construction of the system. Currently, exploratory measures have already been carried out to investigate the course of the roots of the old trees. In addition, the first rainwater collection pipes and inspection chambers have already been installed.

"In future, we will be supplying the trees in Rumpenheim Palace Park with drinking water in a way that conserves water," explains Paul-Gerhard Weiß, head of the construction department. "The rainwater from the surrounding buildings will be collected."

The heart of the system is a cistern with a capacity of over 60 cubic meters. The pipe work for the ring main and the installation of the cistern will be carried out in the coming weeks. The laying of the approximately 1000 meter long water pipe to the 13 water extraction points will be carried out in the densely overgrown park area using the flush drilling method. With this type of installation, the pipeline is driven through the ground by means of a water jet without severely damaging the surface. This has the effect of protecting the existing tree roots and reducing the risk of root damage. In addition, storage areas for excavated soil are minimized.

If the capacity of the cistern is not sufficient in rainy periods, the excess water is fed into the park via a trickling system and thus also serves to supply the vegetation and recharge the groundwater.

The work will be carried out during the dormant vegetation period in the fall and winter. The largest visible construction phase will be visible in November with the excavation of the construction pit and the installation of the cistern.

The construction work is expected to be completed by January 2026. During the construction phase, residents will be regularly informed about the progress of the work.

Due to the pipeline work, restricted parking and access is to be expected in the area of Breite Straße over the next few weeks; the corresponding signage will be put up in the next few days.

The project is being funded by the federal government to the tune of around 250,000 euros.