The builder and owner of the reservoirs is the Ruhrverband (Ruhr River Association) in Essen. In addition to tourism, its main responsibilities include water supply, water regulation and flood protection for the Ruhr region.

With its capacity of around 150 million m3, Lake Bigge increases the total capacity of the reservoir system in the Ruhr River basin from 321 to 471 million m3.

In phases of low natural discharge, Lake Bigge is able to provide around 40% of the total water contribution needed from the reservoirs for the river system of the Ruhr. This is its main task. Another important aspect is flood control.

Click here for current water temperatures of Lake Bigge and the other lakes of the Sauerland:

• Current water temperatures