The observation of the water
Without water there is no life. It is therefore our greatest treasure that must be preserved. However, water can also cause dangers, namely when there is too much of it. Knowing when and where to expect how much water is particularly important in times of climatic change.
The Hydrographic Service in Austria takes on this important task. Already for 125 years.
For this reason Steiermärkische Landesregierung commissioned us to produce a documentary that sheds light on the work of the Hydrographic Service. The shoot lasted a whole year, as the seasons are reflected in the water cycle.
In winter we visited one of the remote measuring points in the Eisenerz Alps by ski. Due to its exposed location, this station is equipped with a fully automatic data transmission system via satellite. Nevertheless, it is necessary to check from time to time whether all systems are functional.
Im Frühling, zur Schneeschmelze, sind wir im Ausseerland unterwegs. Die zahlreichen Quellen haben zu dieser Zeit die größte Schüttung. 1200 Liter/s klares Dachstein-Quellwasser fließen hier aus dem Berg.
A spring becomes a stream, a stream becomes a river. In this case the Enns. A small boat is pulled across the river, with which the cross-section of the flow can be measured. So you always know about the water levels and can warn in the event of heavy rainfall.
Most of our water reserves are below the surface of the earth. It is only when gravel excavators uncover these areas that one can guess the extent of the groundwater lakes. Controlling these reserves is also one of the tasks of the Hydrographic Service.
All recorded data from the precipitation, air temperature, surface and groundwater measuring points are stored and processed in the headquarters of the Hydrographic Service in Graz.
In crisis situations, such as an impending flood, the data from the individual measuring points are used. How much snow is still on the mountains and can the situation worsen? How high are the river levels? And how much is the soil already saturated with water?
All this information comes together in the flood control center. The hydrographic service is in constant contact with the state warning center and also answers media inquiries.
Es war eine interessante Reise, den Weg des Wassers zu verfolgen und wir haben dabei viel gelernt. Vor allem, wie wichtig es ist, auf unser wichtigstes Lebensmittel gut aufzupassen.
Making Of
