The next inspection of waters of the third order that are not maintained by a water and soil association will take place from 6 November 2025 to 6 December 2025. The exact inspection dates will be announced in the aforementioned joint municipalities and towns as well as the municipality of Wietmarschen on their websites and/or by means of a notice board
Those responsible for maintenance, local residents and those authorised to use the watercourses will be given the opportunity to participate in the exhibition and to make their views known.
The parties responsible for maintenance (owners, neighbours, etc.) must maintain the watercourses on an ongoing basis. The maintenance includes the preservation of a proper condition for the water flow (cleaning, clearing, keeping free, protection and maintenance of the water bed including its banks and facilities, etc.). The necessary work must be carried out without being requested to do so.
If the inspection reveals that the waters have not been maintained or have not been maintained sufficiently, the water authority can impose a fine on the party responsible for maintenance or have the necessary maintenance work carried out at the expense of the party responsible. Furthermore, improper maintenance constitutes an administrative offence that can be punished with a fine.
Nordhorn, 08.10.2025
County of Bentheim
The District Administrator