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60 years of the Spremberg dam: protection from flooding and pure relaxation!
On October 8, 2025, the Spremberg dam will celebrate 60 years of protection against flooding, water supply and recreation in Brandenburg.
60 years of the Spremberg dam: protection from flooding and pure relaxation!
Today a very special anniversary is being celebrated in Brandenburg: The Spremberg dam, which was put into operation on October 8, 1965, has now stood as a bulwark against floods and as a water supply for exactly 60 years. The dam, located south of Cottbus, is the largest of its kind in Brandenburg and has established itself as an indispensable facility for the region during this time. In the event of flooding, the responsible operator can drain the water in a controlled manner, which effectively protects the surrounding areas, including the Spreewald Biosphere Reserve, from flooding. RBB24 reports that ...
The dam has an impressive storage space of around 40 million cubic meters and a flood retention space of 17.4 million cubic meters. It wasn't just built to protect against flooding; Today it also serves to supply water to regional power plants and plays an important role in energy production. The construction period from 1958 to 1965 required great effort, and the almost 3.7 kilometer long dam is a visible sign of this investment in the future.
Challenges posed by climate change
But the history of the dam is not just a success story. Like many bodies of water, the Spree is also affected by the consequences of climate change. The water level is falling and climate change is leading to a water shortage, which makes appropriate measures necessary. In 2018 and 2022, the water levels of the reservoir had to be lowered by several meters in order to maintain regulation of the water level of the Spree. Scientific studies show that the situation in the Spree region, particularly the increase in iron hydroxide and sulfate, will continue for many decades. BUND points out that...
Those responsible are feeling additional pressure from the clogging of rivers, particularly the iron ocher content of the water. This burden not only affects the Spremberg dam, but also the Oberspreewald and is a direct result of mining activities in the region. The Klare Spree Action Alliance, founded in 2012, is vehemently committed to reducing these burdens and calls for the implementation of target values to ensure water quality. Klare Spree informs that…
Leisure and nature conservation
The dam not only plays a significant role in water management but also provides recreational value. A 20-kilometer-long circular path leads around the reservoir and attracts numerous visitors for surfing, sailing, rowing and swimming. The region is also a valuable nature reserve, home to more than 259 species of birds, including the osprey and the black stork. In order to strengthen the population of the European eel, the state anglers' association is releasing glass eels.
It remains to be seen how water availability will develop in the future, especially in view of the coal phase-out, which is expected to be completed by 2038. This decision could have serious implications for the region's facilities and water resources. The commitment of everyone involved is crucial to ensure sustainable water management and maintain the quality of life of the population.