Introduction
Artificial canal systems play a decisive role in regional water management, flood protection and ecological stability. Their long-term functionality depends on structured maintenance concepts, reliable data and technically sound planning approaches.
M&P Water – part of SIERA Alliance – specialises in hydraulic engineering and sustainable water management and supports public clients and water maintenance associations throughout Germany in overcoming these challenges.
As part of the interdisciplinary SIERA network, M&P Water combines engineering expertise with environmental and geotechnical know-how to develop resilient and future-oriented solutions for water infrastructure.
Integration of artificial channel systems in entertainment structures
In Thuringia, the Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Nature Conservation has introduced a special maintenance requirement for artificial canal systems. This decision makes it possible to formally integrate these special types of open waters into the maintenance obligations of the responsible water maintenance associations.
A key prerequisite for this integration is the systematic recording of building details on site. Only on the basis of reliable, standardised data can the annual maintenance costs be determined and long-term operation ensured.
On behalf of the Hörsel / Nesse water maintenance association, M&P Water GmbH is developing both a technical guideline and a standardised template to create the basis for a comprehensive water and structure register for artificial canal systems.
Standardised data collection as the basis for sustainable management
In the association area, canal systems such as the Leina Canal and the raft ditch are to be fully included in the waterway register and in the maintenance planning. However, the information required for the financing of maintenance and possible repair measures is currently not fully available.
In order to meet this need, M&P Water is developing a standardised, Valid throughout Thuringia Template for recording structures along artificial canal systems. This standardised approach ensures consistency, comparability and transparency across regions and competent authorities.
Structured documentation of structures on sewer systems
Artificial sewer systems consist of numerous individual structures, including
- Canal dam sections
- Sliding and transition structures
- Slide gate and control structures
- Cut-off and diversion structures
M&P Water prepares specific data collection forms for each of these types of structure. These are completed during site inspections and the data collected is then entered into the Progemis® online portal which enables efficient digital management of the water management infrastructure.
This structured documentation forms a reliable basis for maintenance planning, cost calculation and long-term asset management.
From pilot buildings to comprehensive implementation
The development process begins with an exemplary structure that enables technical validation and coordination with the client. Based on this pilot phase, the final templates are further developed and extended to all relevant types of structures for artificial sewer systems.
Once the template has been created, M&P Water carries out detailed watercourse inspections during which all structures and their technical features are recorded. The results are then transferred to the official watercourse register of the responsible watercourse maintenance association.
Engineering expertise within the SIERA Alliance
M&P Water – Part of SIERA Alliance, operates within a strong interdisciplinary network that combines expertise from the fields of engineering, environment, geology and infrastructure development. This collaboration enables holistic solutions that take ecological, regulatory and long-term sustainability aspects into account in addition to technical requirements.
The structured assessment and documentation of artificial canal systems is a decisive step towards sustainable water management. Through standardised data collection, digital integration and engineering expertise, M&P Water supports public stakeholders in ensuring a resilient, efficient and sustainable water infrastructure.
By combining technical excellence with the interdisciplinary strength of SIERA, M&P Water makes a significant contribution to the long-term protection, functionality and sustainability of artificial sewer systems throughout Germany.
