Rain barrels for Eimsbüttel: Sustainable irrigation for our trees!

Rain barrels for Eimsbüttel: Sustainable irrigation for our trees!

In recent months, the topic of climate change and its effects on the urban environment in northern Germany has become increasingly important. The Green group in the Eimsbüttel district assembly has therefore submitted an innovative proposal to introduce rain barrels on sidewalks. The aim is to make these rainwater reservoirs available for public use to irrigate trees and flower beds. Eimsbüttel News reports that this initiative is based on a successful model from Berlin.

Rain barrels were already installed in the capital in 2023 to store water from heavy rain events and use it in dry times. The first rain barrels, which were installed in May 2023 by the “Fritschestraße” initiative, have since then not only contributed to the irrigation of tree beds and parklets, but also promoted plant growth and attracted insects.

A proven concept for Eimsbüttel

But why rain barrels? Climate change is leading to longer dry periods and more frequent heavy rainfall in northern German cities. The direct discharge of rainwater into the sewage system results in water shortages in the soil during hot periods, which in turn affects the quality of our urban leisure areas. This not only affects the street trees, which are thirsty, but also the quality of our stay. Together with the warm and humid conditions, the sponge city concept could help here. According to the documents of the Hamburg district association should make it possible to store precipitation locally and use it sustainably.

In Eimsbüttel, it is now being examined at which suitable locations such rain barrels can be installed. The focus is particularly on places where sponsorships for tree discs already exist. The installation conditions and the necessary permit applications should be clarified promptly. Experience from Berlin can be helpful here, where the rain barrels were installed with the consent of the property owners and a special use permit.

Climate adaptation in urban development

The introduction of rain barrels is part of a broader approach to address the challenges of climate change in urban areas. To this end, the federal government has developed the German Adaptation Strategy to Climate Change (DAS), which calls for an active change in water handling in urban development. This framework aims to analyze climate risks and take concrete actions to make our cities more resilient to extreme weather events. The Federal Environment Agency offers valuable support and strategies to integrate climate adaptation into urban concepts.

The initiative to install rain barrels in Eimsbüttel is another step in the right direction. Not only is environmental protection promoted, but the neighborhood is also brought closer together through the care of the city's greenery. Let's see how quickly the plans can be implemented and whether the first rain barrels will be set up in Eimsbüttel soon!