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Bautzen pre-dam: Engineers are lowering the water level for important work!
Dr. Gerrit Salveter and Stefan Jentsch provide information about current work on the Oehna pre-dam in the Bautzen reservoir.
Bautzen pre-dam: Engineers are lowering the water level for important work!
In the last few weeks, the water levels at the pre-dam of the Bautzen reservoir have changed significantly. The dam, which has been affected by continuous declines since April 2025, has now been lowered an additional four meters to carry out important engineering checks. Dr. Gerrit Salveter, an engineer from Dresden, and Stefan Jentsch, operations manager of the Saxony State Dam Administration, are at the forefront of this necessary work. The Oehna pre-dam, which was lowered by three meters, will also be closely examined. Alles Lausitz reports that these measures are essential to ensure the functionality of the dam in the long term.
The current scenario reminds many of reviews and reductions in 1999 and 2000, but makes it clear that the current task is not comparable to measures taken at the time. According to Jentsch, work should progress quickly to ensure that the dam is operational again in the winter. In recent months the water level has been remarkably low, particularly in August; it fell four meters below the storage target, which was mainly due to low inflows and high water withdrawals in the lower reaches, as the MDR explains.
Technical reviews and safety instructions
The verification work is demanding and requires special measures. As a result of the subsidence, divers will also be deployed to inspect components that are under water. This happens while the dry areas of the pre-dam are inaccessible to the public. Jentsch strongly warns against entering these dangerous areas as stability is not guaranteed. Leaf fall at this time of year adds to the challenges by increasing maintenance complexity.
Another important element of the work is the regular inspection of the dam's concrete and fittings, something that has not been outside the scope of such projects in the last 26 years. To ensure functionality, these measures are essential and contribute to improved security.