On Wednesday, it was confirmed that there are still places in the capital where the Pétrusse is contaminated with sewage that flows into the river instead of designated canals.
It transpired that sewage was flowing into the river near Hollerich, causing unpleasant odours and sanitation concerns. The system is comprised of a rainwater canal, and a wastewater canal, which, according to officials, is part of the problem. False connections between the two canals is leading to the contamination.
The city council has been attempting to identify the issues. Although they have maps showing the canalisation, it is not entirely clear which homes are connected in which locations. Officials hope to get the Pétrusse sanitised in time for the LUGA National Horticultural Exhibition in 2023, as part of the redevelopment and restoration taking place in the Pétrusse valley over the next few years. Simone Beissel, the official in charge of the process, said they would be sending employees to ring doorbells in the nearby neighbourhood to help solve the problem.
Specialised basins will help solve the problem. One has been in place since 2012. A second will be constructed beside the Adolphe Bridge, and a third in the Gare district. A so-called First Flush System will be in place to allow machines to catch the wastewater and direct to the appropriate facility. Once these measures are in place, the quality of the water will be ready for renovation, in time for 2023 - and for an expected influx of tourists.
