From Monday: Schindbach in Sulzbach will be renovated for better flood protection!

From Monday: Schindbach in Sulzbach will be renovated for better flood protection!

The community of Sulzbach is facing an important measure to improve flood protection. From Monday, December 1st, 2025, the drainage cross section on the Schindbach in Sulzbach will be enlarged. This measure is loud [aichach.de](https://www.aichach.de/B%C3%BCrger/Aktuelles-Services/Nachrichten/Vergr%C3%B6%C3%9Ferung-des-Ab flussquerschnitts-am-Schindbach-in-Sulzbach.php?object=tx,2653.5.1&ModID=7&FID=2653.5033.1&NavID=2653.8&La=1) necessary because the passage of the Schindbach was impaired by the flood damage in 2024. In order to carry out the work, the field path and cycle path along the railway line will probably be completely closed for two to three weeks.

The urgency of this measure is no coincidence. Sulzbach was significantly affected by an extreme flood event at the end of May this year. The Schindbach culvert has been exposed, causing residents to worry about future flood events. Manfred Schurius, a resident, expressed his concerns and criticized the lack of response to his inquiries about the problem.

Flood risk management and citizens' assembly

The challenges facing the community have been known for some time. At a citizens' meeting, which was attended by Mayor Klaus Habermann with around 30 people present, topics such as traffic problems and the renewal of dark private streets were discussed in addition to flood protection. The meeting also highlighted the need for a disaster response lighthouse at the fire station to serve in the event of a power outage.

According to the Federal Environment Agency, flood risk management is crucial in order to avoid damage caused by floods. However, complete protection cannot be guaranteed, which is why prevention measures and the creation of flood risk management plans are essential. These measures include, among other things, the creation of flood hazard and risk maps as well as the designation of risk areas.

Population figures and municipal challenges

Sulzbach currently has 519 residents, which corresponds to an increase of 18 since the last citizens' meeting in 2021. Of these, 268 are married and 187 are single. The entire city, to which Sulzbach belongs, has 22,612 inhabitants, with 11,129 living in the core city and 11,483 in the 16 districts, as reported in donaukurier.de.

The analysis of risk areas and the planning of infrastructure measures pose financial challenges for the municipal administration. Mayor Habermann pointed to financial bottlenecks that are hindering the implementation of flood protection measures and necessary repairs to bridges and roads. This will be considered in conjunction with planned property tax assessments and a recent decision to reduce the tax from 320 to 300 percent.

The discussions surrounding flood risk management and the infrastructural challenges illustrate the relevance of linking water management, disaster protection and municipal planning. It remains to be hoped that the upcoming measures to increase the drainage cross-section as well as the committed citizens in Sulzbach will lead to sustainable flood protection.