In Greifswald will begin in November 2026 routine safety inspections of the gas network. According to the Greifswald Municipal Utilities around 106 kilometres of gas pipelines will be inspected across the city. The aim is to detect possible leaks at an early stage and ensure security of supply.
The work will be carried out by specialist contractors. The engineers will conduct visual inspections, leak-detection measurements and leak-tightness tests The inspections will cover pipelines in public spaces as well as service pipes up to the point where they enter buildings. Some tasks will require brief access to property connections; according to the company, staff will not enter living areas. Any defects found will be documented, discussed with property owners and repaired by certified contractors.
The municipal utilities cite legal requirements and technical regulations, under which network operator they must inspect their distribution networks regularly. Comparable inspections have already been carried out in Greifswald in previous years. The current operation covers a defined inspection area within the city; the stated length of the pipeline sections is around 106 kilometres.
For residents, the inspection will usually mean brief visits by engineers in the area of the property connection. Greifswald Municipal Utilities will announce the visits in sections and provide contact options for arranging appointments. In the event of visible damage, unusual smells or urgent safety concerns, the emergency service should be contacted immediately. According to the company, official permits for the work in public spaces have been obtained.
The work forms part of the ongoing maintenance of critical infrastructure in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Experience from previous inspection rounds shows that minor leaks are more common in low-pressure networks and can usually be repaired without prolonged interruptions to supply. More extensive work, for example on main shut-off valves at properties, will be announced in advance.
The municipal utilities stress that employees of the contracted companies will be clearly identifiable and will show identification on request. The network operator covers the cost of work on the public network; work beyond the property connection is generally the responsibility of property owners and is carried out only after prior agreement.
With the inspections in November 2026, Greifswald Municipal Utilities are continuing their routine network maintenance. The results of the leak-tightness tests are to be assessed internally and incorporated into further maintenance planning.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).