Erlangen: The Water Supply of the Seebach Group – Structure, Funding, and Reform

Structure of the Special-Purpose Association and its Members

The special-purpose association for the water supply of the Seebach Group is a public law corporation headquartered in Heßdorf. It comprises four members: the city of Erlangen, the municipalities of Heßdorf and Großenseebach, and the market town of Weisendorf. The spatial scope of the association covers several districts and localities, including Dechsendorf, Heusteg, Reinersdorf, Neuenbürg, and Reuth.

The association's task is the construction, operation, and maintenance of water supply facilities, including local networks. Central to its responsibilities is also the reading of water meters and the collection of fees, which are carried out by the special-purpose association. The financing of the facilities is based on fees, contributions, and levies, with the latter being imposed on the association members if the financial needs are not met by revenues.

Funding: Fees, Contributions, and Levies

The funding of the special-purpose association consists of three central components: fees, contributions, and levies. Fees and contributions are mandatory for water users and are collected in accordance with the rules of local taxation law. However, these revenues cover only part of the costs.

The financial needs not covered by fees are met through two types of levies: the investment levy and the operating cost levy. The investment levy finances the expansion, extension, and renewal of the water supply facilities, while the operating cost levy is responsible for recurring costs such as maintenance, operation, and personnel. Both levies are re-determined annually and collected in four quarterly installments.

The amount of the levies is calculated based on the ratio of the water quantity consumed. This means that association members with higher water consumption also bear higher levies. In the case of late payment, up to 1 percent interest may be charged.

Reform of the Association Bylaws: Structural and Financial Changes

The revised version of the association bylaws, which was adopted in February 2026, brings a number of structural and financial changes. The association assembly is reduced from 18 to 9 association council members. The city of Erlangen reduces its representation from 6 to 3 members, aiming for a more equal status among the members.

Financially, the levy key for operating cost levies is redefined. In the future, the levy will be based on the ratio of the water quantity consumed, enabling a more transparent and consumption-oriented funding model.

The new bylaws come into effect on May 1, 2026, and are aligned with the model bylaws for special-purpose associations for water supply (ZVS-Wasser). They include new regulations on funding, the determination and payment of levies, and the audit of the annual accounts by the audit committee and the state audit office.

Impacts and Future Perspectives

The reform of the association bylaws has far-reaching effects on the structure and funding of the special-purpose association. It brings more transparency to the funding model through consumption-based levies and a revised organisational structure. At the same time, the association is better prepared for potential future challenges such as population growth, climate change, and rising energy costs.

The collaboration with the administrative community of Heßdorf remains central, as it is responsible for the management and financial administration. The inclusion of members in decision-making processes through the association assembly remains a key element of governance.

In the long term, the association could also serve as a model for other regions, particularly in the development of sustainable funding models and the assurance of a secure drinking water supply in the context of the climate crisis.