Because of its geology, the Mullerthal is home to a special type of spring: tufa-formed or petrified springs. They are defined as priority habitats protected by the Habitat Directive because of their sensitivity to changes in water flow or physico-chemical quality. Typical are limestone deposits caused by the precipitation of calcium bicarbonate in water. Encrusting springs are home to highly specialized flora and fauna.
It was this vulnerability of springs that led us to carry out a survey of the condition of all types of springs in 2013 on behalf of the Syndicat Mullerthal and the Administration de Nature et des Forêts - Arrondissement Est. This inventory identified 348 springs, including 159 in open areas and 189 in forests. More than half of the springs were found to be in average or poor condition. Those most affected are those in open areas.
It was this observation that formed the basis of the current action plan for the protection of springs in the Mullerthal. The aim is to improve around forty springs in order to preserve this unique natural heritage. The overall improvement in the ecological status of natural springs will also have a positive impact on drinking water quality. To monitor the effect of the measures, they will be accompanied by monitoring of the fauna and physico-chemical parameters.
