Water has a special value in our region! Basis of life for man and nature, but also in economic terms, water is determinant for the communities around the Attersee. Austria's largest lake is loved as a vacation destination where you can go swimming, sailing, surfing or diving. For many animal and plant species, the lake with its shore and wetland areas is an important habitat.
In the forest ecosystem, water is coupled with sunlight, air and nutrients the elixir of life for plants. At the same time, the forest soil purifies water and stores it during precipitation, thus reducing the risk of flooding. By evaporating water, trees cool their surroundings, and carbon is additionally bound in the wood.
For our society, the forest is irreplaceable in terms of water supply, defence against too much of it and as an important part in climate protection. These contributions to our human well-being are called ecosystem services. The provision of wood as a sustainable raw material, the recreational effect of the forest, or, as here in the mountains, the protection against natural hazards are also among the many services the forest provides for us humans.
Due to climate change, a change in precipitation events in terms of intensity and seasonal distribution is to be expected at many sites. Prolonged dry phases coupled with high temperatures mean stress for forest trees, weakening them and making them more susceptible to pests such as the bark beetle on spruce.
In Steinbach am Attersee, there are 3 natural springs with a discharge of approx. 2050 m³ per day, additionally a well with 800 m³ per day serves as a water source. 575 water connections in the municipality supply the inhabitants and guests with the precious water.