"Not responsible for private luxury things": Schongauer Stadtwerke do not fill pools - appeal to citizens

Private pools are not (any longer) filled by the Schongauer Stadtwerke.

The city has recently received an increasing number of inquiries from citizens.

Schongau – it’s quick to order online, the swimming pool – with a few clicks on Amazon or Tchibo, there are some really large, massive pools that can’t even be quickly filled with a garden hose.

Only three to four cubic meters of water fit in the smaller ones, 12, 13 or more cubic meters in the large ones, so in any case several thousand liters of water.

In the past few weeks, Stadtwerke Schongau has received an increasing number of inquiries from citizens about filling private pools or larger paddling pools, according to a press release.

For insurance reasons alone, there can be no individual solution.

"I don't know how my predecessors handled it, there are citizens who say that it was possible," says Florian Hiemer, technical director of the municipal utility.

"But that's not the point," he makes unmistakably clear.

Use drinking water via your own water house connection for filling the pool

But there is more to the subject: "We make every effort to maintain our drinking water supply network and are not responsible for private luxury things that are at the expense of the general public," Hiemers said.

Even with the help of the Schongau fire brigade via the nearest hydrant, it is not possible to fill the pool, even if this would of course be much faster: instead of the calculated up to 20 liters per minute at the tap, a fire brigade pump creates 2000 liters at full pressure.

According to the press release, it is correct to use drinking water via your own water house connection to fill the pool.

Anyone who taps off drinking water without a water meter, on the other hand, is liable to prosecution.

The public utilities also advise against filling with well or rainwater: "For hygienic reasons, this is extremely questionable."

In order to protect the groundwater, the pool water should not simply be drained, but must be discharged into the public sewer.

“Therefore, when a pool is filled, the waste water fee must also be paid.

A fee exemption is not possible," the city said.

Municipal utilities don't fill pools - citizens should still get in touch

Ideally, owners of large swimming pools should nevertheless contact the Schongauer Stadtwerke when the pools are being filled.

"We have a computer-controlled system and can determine exactly when larger quantities are removed," says Hiemer.

Especially at night, when there is usually little water flow, such "outliers" with several thousand liters are noticeable.

"Then we have to react," Hiemers pointed out that there could also be damage to the line network.

"So it makes sense to let us know, even during the day," says Hiemer.

In contrast to other communities, Schongau is in the fortunate position of not being affected by water shortages.

The municipal utility draws its water from groundwater wells in the area around Schongau, which can always cover consumption sufficiently.

(By the way: everything from the region is now also available in our regular Schongau newsletter.)

Appeal: Use drinking water responsibly

Nevertheless, the city is observing the increase in private pools in Schongau's gardens with concern.

"In terms of ecological thinking, it is questionable whether it is necessary for everyone to have a private pool in the garden," says Hiemer.

Especially in Schongau and the surrounding area there are beautiful bathing spots.

In times of climate change, the top priority is to use drinking water responsibly and to see water as a precious commodity.

"A conscious withdrawal of water protects our natural resources," says the city's press release.

"Groundwater is our most important source of drinking water."

It was only last summer that this was also a big topic in Schwabsoien, even in the municipal council.

Apparently it had been common there and in Sachsenried for years to tap water for the pools from the nearest hydrant - also with the help of the fire brigade.

This was then stopped by a decision of the municipal council.

Commander Werner Berchtold knows that the Schongau fire department is also familiar with such requests, even if they are limited.

"Basically, that's not one of our jobs." In all his years as commander, he can only remember once that someone was given a hose and the hydrant key.

An isolated case.

Berchtold: "I always refuse."

You can find more current news from the region around Schongau at Merkur.de/Schongau.