Ottobrunn in water chaos: million-dollar dispute escalates after burst pipe!

Ottobrunn in water chaos: million-dollar dispute escalates after burst pipe!

An unexpected burst pipe on Kleiststrasse has brought the situation surrounding the water network in Ottobrunn into the spotlight. At the beginning of July, just one day after the pipe system was handed over from Stadtwerke München (SWM) to the municipality's new water supply company, water leaked out and caused significant water damage. Mayor Thomas Loderer (CSU) describes the municipal utilities' demand of around four million euros for the provision of the pipe system as an "outrageous asking price", while the final price now has to be clarified in court, as the South Germans reported.

After the municipal utilities supplied the eastern part of Ottobrunn with drinking water by the end of June 2023, the local company has been taking over the water supply since the beginning of July, including households in the east. The technical changeover went smoothly. However, there are concerns about the age and condition of the pipe network, particularly after the recent leak discovered during intensive inspections.

Legal disputes and critical statements

Loderer emphasizes that the condition of the pipeline network is not sufficiently appreciated by SWM. Of particular concern is the discovery of another leak caused by corrosion and a hole in a cast iron pipe. While the municipal utilities do not comment on the conditions of the pipes or the claims, the municipality expects the facts in the legal dispute with the municipal utilities to be quickly clarified Mercury highlights.

In addition, there were two more pipe bursts within a short period of time on Putzbrunner Strasse and Ludwig-Thoma-Strasse, which were also repaired by SWM. The mayor's concerns about the high pressure pumping, which may be responsible for the leaks, are in the room. “There is no reason to worry about further leaks,” assures Loderer, but the condition of the pipes is difficult.

Investing in the future of water infrastructure

Another issue that affects water management everywhere in Germany is the necessary investment in infrastructure. According to a recently published report by the Association of Municipal Companies (VKU), investments worth hundreds of billions will be required by 2045 to maintain the water supply and wastewater disposal. The current investment of around 10 billion euros per year must increase to an average of 40 billion euros per year in order to adapt the infrastructure to climate change and extend its useful life, reports VKU.

The situation in Ottobrunn is one example among many and shows the challenges that not only the community but also the entire water management sector faces. Timely and careful planning is urgently needed both in Ottobrunn and in other municipalities in order to avoid future problems and to ensure the water supply to our regions in the usual high quality.