Attert (river)

Geology

The Attert is 38 km, of which 32 km are in Luxembourg and 6 km in Belgium. Its source is in Nobressart, north-west of Arlon, in the Belgian province Luxembourg. It flows into the river Alzette at Colmar-Berg. It flows through the village of Attert in Belgium, and the towns of Redange, Everlange, Useldange, Boevange-sur-Attert, and Bissen in Luxembourg.

Hydrology and climate

The Attert River has a pluvial oceanic hydrological regime, characterized by seasonal flow variations. Low flows typically occur from July to September due to high summer evapotranspiration, while high flows are observed from December to February when evapotranspiration is at its lowest. The catchment receives an average annual precipitation of 845 mm (based on 1971–2000 data), with relatively consistent monthly rainfall distribution throughout the year. Temperature patterns show seasonal variation, with mean monthly temperatures ranging from approximately 0°C in January to 18°C in July. The region typically experiences below-freezing temperatures (below 0°C) for about 80 days annually.

The Attert River basin encompasses an area of approximately 290.1 km2 (measured to its confluence at Bissen) in northwestern Luxembourg. The catchment is characterized by diverse geological formations, which influence local hydrology and land use patterns. The western portions of the basin feature predominantly schist bedrock, while areas to the east contain Luxembourg Sandstone and Keuper sandy marl formations.

The Attert catchment has been the subject of detailed hydrological and environmental research, particularly regarding sediment transport processes. Studies have examined how various land use types within the basin contribute to suspended sediment loads in the river system. This research provides insights into erosion patterns, sediment sources, and environmental dynamics within the watershed.

Land use within the Attert basin varies with the underlying geology and topography. Forested areas predominate on the steeper slopes and schist formations, while grasslands and cultivated areas are more common in gentler terrain and on different soil types. This diverse landscape pattern influences runoff characteristics and sediment dynamics throughout the catchment.

Hydrological management

Since 2001, the Attert River has been managed through a coordinated cross-border initiative known as the Attert River Contract (Contrat rivière Attert-Kontrakt). This partnership between Belgium and Luxembourg promotes sustainable management practices that aim to improve water quality, restore riverbanks, and enhance biodiversity. Specific actions include revegetating eroded banks, fencing sections of the river to prevent livestock access, and installing fish passages at physical barriers such as Schadeck and Luxeroth to support the free movement of aquatic life. The Attert provides drinking water to local communities, necessitating careful monitoring and management to address contamination concerns, particularly from agricultural nitrates and untreated domestic wastewater.

References

References

1. (2010). "The use of sediment colour measured by diffuse reflectance spectrometry to determine sediment sources: Application to the Attert River catchment (Luxembourg)". Journal of Hydrology.
2. Oesch, Mirjam. (2007). "Das Tal der Attert: grenzüberschreitende Entdeckungen im Grossherzogtum Luxemburg und in Belgien". Ed. Binsfeld.
3. (2015). "Plan de gestion 2015–2025". Parc naturel de la Vallée de l'Attert.