Collection of sewage in special ponds

The local authority has been using overflow ponds since the 1960s. These ponds are intended to provide reserve storage for sewage. When there is heavy, prolonged rainfall, the sewage flows into these overflow ponds. There are such ponds at various locations within our local authority.

Nuisance in Beekbergen

Unfortunately, the overflow pond on Tullekensmolenweg in Beekbergen has caused a foul odour in the surrounding area. A ‘floating layer’ of debris has formed on the water. This is because the debris cannot flow back into the sewer system.

Due to the heavy rainfall in the spring of 2024, an extremely large volume of water passed through the sewer system. In the Beekbergen area, the sewage carried a great deal of additional waste, including from nearby holiday parks.

Solutions the council is working on

What the local council has already done:

• The layer floating on the water’s surface was washed away using a high-pressure hose.
• Most of the layer of debris floating on the surface has been sucked up and removed.
• The water in the pond has been flushed out with water from the adjacent stream. As a result, some of the dirty water has flowed into the sewer and there is fresh water in the pond.

What the local council and the water board are still working on:

• The existing overflow structure is being modified to allow wastewater to drain away more effectively. This work is expected to be completed in early July.
• A system for aerating and flushing the pond is being installed. This will be ready after the summer, as the necessary electrical connection needs to be fitted.
• A longer-term solution is to divert much more rainwater away from the sewer system. You can do your bit too! Do you have a house with a garden? If you prevent rainwater from the guttering from flowing into the sewer system and instead let it run into your garden or a rainwater butt, less rainwater will need to be drained away. And it’s better for the soil and plants in your garden. For more information, please visit the page: disconnecting from the mains drainage system.
• Residents and tourists need to be better informed about what can and cannot be flushed down the toilet. Flushing items such as sanitary towels, tampons and baby wipes causes blockages and pollution.