U.S. delegation visits North Rhine-Westphalia to learn about flood protection and water management
At the end of June, a high-level delegation from the US states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois and Colorado visited North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) in Germany. The aim was to exchange knowledge and explore innovative approaches to flood protection, water management and resilient infrastructure. Organised with the support of the German-American Chamber of Commerce (AHK) USA-Chicago, the visit brought together professionals from politics, science, and industry.
Sharing Lessons from the 2021 Floods The delegation's first stop was the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) in Münster. Dr Fritz Jaeckel, CEO of IHK Nord Westfalen, gave a sobering account of the devastating floods in Germany in 2021, which caused several billion euros' worth of damage. Drawing on his experience of managing the aftermath of major floods in 2002, 2013 and 2021, Dr Jaeckel emphasised that rebuilding resilient infrastructure is a decade-long endeavour requiring significant investment in prevention and planning.
Innovative Solutions from North Rhine-Westphalian Companies
The group then visited several companies and institutions pioneering advanced water technologies:
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HUESKER Synthetic showcased the use of geosynthetic materials in water construction, including dam reinforcement, canal stabilisation and sealing irrigation systems. These solutions help conserve water and can be implemented without disrupting ongoing operations.
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SAERTEX multiCom introduced its trenchless pipe rehabilitation technology, which enables wastewater pipelines to be repaired without excavation. This method reduces CO₂ emissions by 70% compared to traditional construction methods, and minimises noise, dust and traffic disruption — a particularly important consideration given that 19% of Germany’s 600,000-kilometre sewer network is in poor condition.
Hands-On Research and Regional Innovation
In Gelsenkirchen, the delegation visited the IKT (Institute for Underground Infrastructure), which is home to a cutting-edge rain simulation facility. This tool enables cities to model and prepare for extreme rainfall and urban flooding scenarios.
At Gelsenwasser, one of the region’s major utility companies, participants learned how it supplied over 217 million cubic metres of drinking water in 2024. Gelsenwasser is also investing in circular solutions, such as recovering phosphorus from sewage sludge ash for use in agriculture.
From Industrial Canal to Natural River
Another highlight was the Emscher River renaturation project, where a former industrial waterway is being transformed into a natural river system once more. The group also heard from Professor Christof Wetter of the University of Applied Sciences in Münster, who outlined recent EU regulations driving progress in wastewater treatment.
Building Transatlantic Bridges
At the end of the tour, Commissioner Katrina Kessler of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency thanked the hosts and invited them to visit the United States. This exchange emphasised how the US and Germany can learn from each other when it comes to tackling climate challenges, protecting water resources and ensuring the future resilience of critical infrastructure.
The delegation was also informed about the economic strength of the cross-border region and the close cooperation taking place under the TECH.LAND programme — a joint effort to foster innovation, sustainability, and transatlantic collaboration.