Renovation of the Simson Fountain: City of Gera calls for donations!

Renovation of the Simson Fountain: City of Gera calls for donations!

On July 23, 2025, the much-visited Simson Fountain in Gera will be temporarily taken out of operation. The reason for this is necessary maintenance work to avoid consequential damage and to minimize noise pollution for visitors. A new pump system should be purchased because repairing the possibly damaged bearing does not appear to make economic sense. The expected cost of the new pump is around 600 euros. But the city of Gera is currently still looking for the necessary financial resources, so citizens are being asked to support the project with donations.

Interested donors can transfer their donations to the following account that the city of Gera has set up for this project:

• Empfänger: Stadt Gera – Amt für Stadtgrün
• IBAN: DE69 8305 0000 0000 0176 63
• BIC: HELADEF1GER
• Verwendungszweck: PK 75.80881.9 (Brunnen)

A donation receipt will be issued upon request.

Tradition and appreciation

The Simson Fountain has a special meaning for the citizens and tourists of Gera. Not only is it a popular meeting place on the market square, but it also traditionally heralds the fountain season, which this year began on Monday with cleaning of the fountain. Many visitors are happy every year when the fountain bubbles again, welcoming spring. In the same week, maintenance work was necessary on the Färberbrunnen, in particular the sealing joints on the fountain basin had to be replaced.

Before the season, the Office for Urban Greenery thoroughly checks all fountain systems for their electrical and hydraulic systems. By the end of the 19th calendar week, the city of Gera plans to put other fountains into operation, such as the craftsman's fountain at Sachsenplatz and the stone beauty at Nicolaiberg.

Environmental awareness and drinking water supply

But it's not just the fountains that are in focus; the quality of the drinking water in Gera also plays an important role. Many citizens often don't know where their tap water comes from or what its composition is. According to the VSR water protection authority, 95% of the drinking water here is obtained from surface water from the Leibis-Lichte dam and 5% from groundwater. The quality must meet the strict regulations of the German Drinking Water Ordinance and is monitored regularly.

For many residents, it is important to know that the requirements for tap water quality are even higher than those for packaged mineral and table water. VSR Water Protection also advises citizens on how to use well water responsibly in their gardens to save water. Water tests for well water can be carried out to check the quality and thus contribute to sustainable water use.

In summary, it can be said that the Simson Fountain is not only part of Gera's culture, but is also an important part of environmental awareness. The city of Gera strives to maintain the well culture and the quality of the drinking water, which ultimately benefits the entire community. Support maintenance and help preserve these valuable resources!