Hamburg Wasser: Record sales and growing challenges in 2024

Hamburg Wasser: Record sales and growing challenges in 2024

Hamburg Wasser has published its annual balance sheet for 2024 and reports positive developments in water sales as well as significant investments in infrastructure. Group sales rose to almost 674 million euros, an increase of 43.8 million euros compared to the previous year. Drinking water consumption in Hamburg is now 115.7 million cubic meters, which represents a slight increase of 1.6 percent compared to 2023. This is the first increase in drinking water consumption since 2020, as Radio Hamburg reported.

Hamburg Wasser's supply areas have increased by around 100,000 residents. Despite a wet year, the weather had no impact on sales. However, the profit fell by around 3.3 percent to 106.2 million euros, according to NDR is due to increased investments and operating costs.

Investments for the future

Hamburg Wasser is planning investments of around 1.14 billion euros from 2024 to 2028. 616 million euros will be invested in water and wastewater networks, while 522 million euros will flow into various systems. An important innovation is the planned Vera II sewage sludge incineration plant, the costs of which have increased from the original 196 million euros to 297.2 million euros. This system will be necessary for the processing of sewage sludge from 2029, as it can no longer be used for agriculture.

Together, Vera I and Vera II are expected to process around 97,000 tons of sewage sludge annually. The drinking water supply for the coming decades is secured by drawing water from depths of 90 to 450 meters, which is independent of periods of drought or heavy rain. The current peak supply was at least 470,000 cubic meters per day, with the goal of reaching a release of 500,000 cubic meters by 2030.

Collaboration and challenges

However, challenges still exist, such as the ongoing legal dispute over water pumping in the Nordheide. Hamburg Wasser has only received a “higher permit” here, which endangers the supply of around 300,000 people. A third of the announced investments will flow into follow-up measures triggered by external projects. HAMBURG WASSER also calls for better coordination with the city and the responsible authorities.

The groundwater levels are in the normal range due to the wet previous year. Second Mayor and Senator for the Environment Katharina Fegebank praised the company's strategic direction and emphasized the need to meet the challenges of climate change, demographic change and rising construction costs.

With a per capita consumption of 107 liters per day, Hamburg Wasser has been able to significantly increase the efficiency of drinking water supply over the last two decades; 20 years ago this value was 135 liters.