When the stormwater bylaws came into force in May 2006, the municipality of Rüdersdorf bei Berlin formulated the following objective on the basis of the Brandenburg Water Act:
Rainwater must be infiltrated on the properties where it accumulates. Discharging rainwater onto public traffic areas is not permitted.
The provisions contained in the bylaws are intended to protect the environment and public traffic areas, help to relieve existing stormwater drainage systems and protect against the oversizing of planned drainage systems.
Unfortunately, many property owners disregard the obligations set out in the bylaws. In many places, rainwater from roofs or paved areas is discharged onto the street.
Unauthorised discharge incurs charges and can be punished with a fine in the event of an offence.
This year, the building authority will be carrying out more checks on how rainwater is disposed of on private properties. Where violations are found, the municipality will contact the property owner and ask them to rectify the problem.
You can view the rainwater bylaws and the rainwater fee bylaws at the municipal office and online at www.ruedersdorf.de.
If you have any questions or comments, please call the building authority on (033638) 85214.
Source photo: © Freelancer0111 / PIXELIO