Riveristalsperre

Since 1958, the city of Trier has again been supplied with water from the Hochwald as in Roman times. Only this time the supply comes from a drinking water dam that was built above the village of Riveris in the Riveris valley. The dam is 50 m high and collects the water from the Riveris and the Thielenbach. The maximum reservoir capacity is 5 million m3. Construction of the dam New paths have been built around the reservoir. They are closed to motor traffic and invite visitors to take contemplative walks. There is a car park below the dam, from where a circular walk is possible. Between the paths and the reservoir is an overgrown protection zone to protect the water from contamination. Bathing and water sports are not permitted. The difference in altitude between the dam and the town is so great that the water flows at its own gradient. While the Roman water conduit ran along the valley flanks, the Riveris water takes the shortest route and therefore has to be led through tunnels twice. The first begins at the dam and ends after 1700 m on the right-hand slope of the Ruwer valley above Sommerau. The entrance to the second gallery is on the left side of the Ruwer valley near Gutweiler. After 1200 m, the water is led in an underground pipe near Irsch to the filter plant, from where the purified water is fed into the municipal water network. Today, the communities of the Ruwer municipality are also mainly supplied with drinking water from the Riveristalsperre. Technical data of the dam: Dam: 350,000 m3 of slope and valley gravel, dam height: 50 m, 178 m wide, capacity: 5 million m3 of drinking water. Opening hours: freely accessible

Opening times

The Riveristalsperre can be circumnavigated on a hiking trail of approx. 8 km in length. A tour of the dam is possible for groups by appointment, please enquire at the Tourist Information.