ABSTRACT

A major difference between the Lippeverband and the Ruhrverband/Rurtalsperrenverein is the fact that the water of the Lippe River is not used for drinking water purposes. There are three types of problems with respect to which the Lippeverband makes investments and carries out operation and maintenance activities. These are: flow in the Lippe River and its tributaries, including handling of wastewater; stormwater drainage; and maintenance of the channels for the prevention of floods. The Lippeverband has four types of members: the waterworks that import drinking water into the Lippe River basin; activities that withdraw directly from surface and/or groundwater of the Lippe River and its tributaries; generators of wastewater, subdivided into municipal, commercial-industrial, and coal mines; and activities that withdraw water and also generate wastewater. The withdrawals from surface and/or ground water are weighted differently depending on how the water is used. If the water is used for purposes requiring a quality similar to drinking water, the factor is 1.