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The Stadtentwässerung Soest AöR (SES) is an institution under public law with its own legal personality, to which the wastewater disposal obligation of the city of Soest has been transferred[1][2]. As a municipal company, SES ensures that the wastewater generated in households and on properties is safely discharged, properly disposed of and treated[4].
SES manages and operates a dense network of wastewater infrastructure that runs through the city of Soest[4]. With a team of 22 employees in total (13 of whom are in canal operations), the company manages approximately 390 kilometers of canal network, including associated pumping stations, rainwater treatment plants and rainwater retention basins[1][2][3].
Every day, the infrastructure has to cope with considerable amounts of water: With around 50,000 inhabitants in Soest, around 5 million liters of wastewater from private households are produced every day, in addition to industrial wastewater and considerable amounts of rainwater during precipitation[4]. Overall, SES processes an average total volume of 21 million liters of wastewater per day[4].
In addition to pure wastewater discharge, SES focuses on three central areas of responsibility[1]:
Maintenance and Repair: The wastewater pipes are continuously cleaned and maintained to avoid blockages and damage[4]. Modern flushing vehicles that work with water pressure and remove deposits are used.
Renovation and Renewal: The infrastructure is regularly checked and modernized to meet the highest requirements.
Network Expansion: Due to the steady growth of the city of Soest, the canal network is constantly being expanded and extended[1][2].
SES relies on high technical standards. The company has received the Certificate for Technical Safety Management (TSM) from the German Association for Water Management, Wastewater and Waste e.V.[3]. This certificate confirms that all essential legal requirements for technical safety are met and that the necessary steps are taken to protect the population, the environment and the workforce[3].
SES is an independent institution of the city of Soest with a share capital of 7 million euros[5]. The fees calculated by SES are decided by the administrative board and are subject to the instructions of the Soest City Council[1][2]. The commercial management has been transferred to Stadtwerke Soest[1], which ensures efficient cooperation with other municipal infrastructure providers.
A key goal of SES is to protect the precious resource of water[3]. Through the proper disposal and treatment of feces and wastewater, purified water is returned to the water cycle[3]. The company is therefore making an important contribution to water hygiene, environmental protection and the sustainable management of natural resources in the city of Soest.
