Töss

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Töss


Factsheet: Töss

General
Country CH
River Name Töss
Site Name Töss
River Characterisation
    River typology
    Location (Lat Lon) 47.46338, 8.72825
    Altitude mid-altitude: 200 - 800 m
    Catchment area medium: > 100 - 1000 km2
    Geology Calcareous
    National code/
    River type name
    Hydromorphological quality elements

    Biological quality elements
    Ecosystem Services
    EU Directives
    Pressures
    Measures
    Other
    Project size 0.2 km
    Approximate costs 100 000 - 1 000 000 Euros
    Synergy Flood protection, ecology, recreation
    Status Realised
    Period of realization 2001-2002, 2009-2010
    Evaluation Hydromorphological and ecological changes
    Implemented by Amt für Umwelt (Thurgau) and Amt für Abfall, Wasser, Energie und Luft (Zurich)


    Site description

    The Töss is a 56 km long river flowing in the north east of Switzerland. The river originates in the north east of the Swiss Alps, and forms the Töss valley. As well as the Thur river (flagship restoration measure), it is a tributary of the Rhine river which originates in the Swiss Alps and ends in the North Sea. The Töss is a pre-alpine river, without natural or artificial reservoirs along its course. The morphological conditions have been highly modified along its 56 km course. It contains numerous artificial weirs and embankments, constructed in the early 20th to protect cities against floods and provide more land for agriculture. Only the lower part of the river section, close to the connection with the Rhine River, is in good conditions, with almost natural morphology and pristine pool/riffle structure. To date, restoration efforts are made to restore, locally, a natural morphology within the river. The aim is to increase natural habitats, without to reduce water pumping efficiency for local citizens.

    Measures selection

    The Töss was restored in 1999 along a reach of 200 meters. The river was widened on both sides of the main river channel. Along the course of the river, embankments were removed to provide a large space to the river. Additional wood structure were added to enhance the ability of the river to recreate islands. Restoration efforts are expected to increase diversity of instream habitats and corresponding biota. To date, hydromorphological and biological indicators both suggest a lower increase in river quality and conditions after restoration compared to the restoration of the Thur (Flagship restoration measure). Socio-economic studies will complement ecological approaches, to assess the benefits or costs of restoration efforts. Moreover, long-term ecological studies will permit to guarantee the success of restoration. The Töss restoration is an interesting example of river restoration and management in Switzerland, providing information concerning restoration effects, and stimulating current and future studies.

    Socio-economic aspects

    Contact person within the organization

    Extra background information

    References


    Related Measures

    Related Pressures