Stadtwerke Kevelaer is currently carrying out extensive renovation work on the supply line to the brine spring. This pipeline is used to pump the iodine-rich water from a depth of around 400 meters, which supplies the graduation house and the inhalatorium in the St. Jakob brine garden. The aim of the measure is to technically renew the pumping system and to secure it permanently for the coming years.
Before the additional pipe can be installed, a drill pipe is first inserted to remove natural deposits within the pipe. These form over time due to the high mineral content of the brine and are completely harmless. A so-called inliner made of glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP) with a diameter of around 14 centimeters is then inserted. This additional pipe is inserted into the existing pipeline to a depth of around 120 meters and ensures a stable, safe and long-lasting connection to the source.
As part of the renovation, a leak at a depth of around 110 meters will also be permanently sealed. This minor leak had led to a slight sand ingress in the past and will now be professionally repaired as part of the overall measure.
The area around the borehole is cordoned off during the work for safety reasons. According to current planning, the work should be completed by mid-November 2025. Meanwhile, operations at the Solegarten can continue largely undisturbed.
"With this renovation, we are investing in the future of our brine garden and securing the reliable supply of our Kevelaer thermal brine," explains Wolfgang Toonen, Operations Manager of Stadtwerke Kevelaer. "This will ensure that visitors can continue to enjoy the beneficial climate in the graduation house and inhalatorium in the future."