According to Anna Vietinghoff of Hamburg Wasser, the unpleasant smells in Hamburg's sewers are due to various factors including improper waste disposal, particularly wet wipes, which don't dissolve, and the accumulation of fats and oils that are flushed out during rain. The city's extensive 5,800 kilometer sewer network serves a population of around 2.2 million.
Hamburg Wasser, the municipal water company responsible for water supply and sewage disposal, is working to address these issues. They are responding to complaints and deploying ventilation systems to mitigate the odors. They also emphasize the importance of avoiding disposing of cooking oils, fats, food scraps, and wet wipes in the sewers to prevent blockages.
The article highlights the significant length of Hamburg's sewer system (5,800 kilometers), suggesting the complexity involved in maintaining it and addressing odor issues. The depth of the system (up to 27 meters) is also mentioned.
Immer mal wieder wabert ein sonderbarer Gestank durch Hamburgs Innenstadt – oft kommt er aus den Tiefen, aus der Kanalisation. Das über 5.800 Kilometer lange Netz aus Rohren und Kanälen überwacht und betreibt das städtische Unternehmen Hamburg Wasser. Es versorgt nicht nur die Bürgerinnen und Bürger mit Trinkwasser, sondern entsorgt auch deren Abwasser. Hier erklärt Anna Vietinghoff von Hamburg Wasser, woher der Mief kommt – und was dagegen hilft.
ZEIT ONLINE: Frau Vietinghoff, bisweilen kommt es in Hamburg zu kloakenartigem Gestank, aktuell berichten uns etwa viele Leserinnen und Leser aus Eimsbüttel oder Altona davon. Woran liegt das?
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