Prague will announce a tender for the construction of a new spillway for the Hostivař Dam

Prague - The Prague city council will announce a public tender for the construction of a new safety spillway at the Hostivař Reservoir. In the event of flooding, the spillway will allow for the discharge of a larger volume of water and reduce the risk of dam failure. The costs are expected to reach a maximum of 170 million crowns. The announcement of the tender was approved today by Prague councilors. The reservoir nearly overflowed during the floods in 2013.

The Hostivař Reservoir has previously been assessed as the third greatest safety risk for the capital. As a embankment dam, a sudden rise in water level poses a risk of overtopping and potential failure of the structure. The new safety spillway aims to prevent this.

A new wave breaker will be constructed on the dam's crown, along with a new spillway, slide, a so-called tailwater, and a waste channel. According to the document approved by councilors, the anticipated start date for construction is at the turn of September and October this year. The construction itself is expected to last 18 months.

The reservoir is located on the Botič stream and was completed in 1963. It is the largest body of water in Prague and, in addition to mitigating flooding, also serves residents for recreation and fishing.

During the floods in 2013, water from the Botič flooded Hostivař and Záběhlice. The situation was worsened particularly by the rapid discharge of the reservoir. According to the degree of flood risk, the Hostivař Reservoir belongs to the second worst category out of four. Since the floods of 2013, the number of dam keepers has increased from one to four to ensure continuous monitoring of the reservoir. In 2010 and 2011, the reservoir was completely emptied and dredged.