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As the name suggests, the darknet is a dark, i.e., hidden network. With a wink, it's similar to the Mainz sewer system. Everyone knows about it, but hardly anyone knows exactly what goes on down there. And here, too, things often end up that don't belong there and cause damage. What are they?

Here are the answers. (opens in a new tab)

Our wastewater network beneath the streets of the state capital is around 800 kilometers long and, in some places, quite old. It goes without saying that damage occurs from time to time and needs to be repaired. Until now, external companies were commissioned to film the sewers in order to locate the exact location and extent of this damage. We can now do this ourselves more quickly and flexibly. With our specially trained "MeenzerDarknetInspectors."

The sample that our Hanane is currently drawing from the secondary clarification tank is crystal clear, providing clear evidence that our wastewater treatment plant is doing what it is supposed to do: treating Mainz's wastewater. However, even though it looks fine and can subsequently be returned to the Rhine, it is still far from being drinkable. Trace substances in particular, i.e., microscopic particles of dirt, are currently very difficult to remove—if at all. Diclofenac, for example, an active ingredient used in painkillers, can currently only be removed from wastewater to about 60 percent. From this perspective, Hanane could actually work as a chief pharmacist alongside her sampling work.

The simplest solution to prevent trace substances from entering wastewater in the first place would be to avoid using them altogether. However, considering where these mini-pollutants can be found (e.g., in medicines, cosmetics, chemicals, pesticides), this is of course utopian. That is why we are going to upgrade the Mainz wastewater treatment plant with a so-called fourth treatment stage. This will still not turn wastewater into drinking water, but it will bring us a significant step closer to achieving this goal. And that is already something. For the Rhine, the environment, and therefore also for you.

Tobias and Mathias are actually related, even if they are 'only' cousins. Professionally, however, they are practically twin brothers. Anyone who works in Mainz's cemeteries has to be an all-rounder: helping to organize funeral services and lending a hand at burials. Taking care of administrative tasks and keeping the infrastructure in good shape. Caring for plants and laying out grave plots: the to-do list that the two of them and the rest of the cemetery team have to work through is long and complex. In that sense, they are like two peas in a pod. Even if one of them wears a suit and the other wears work clothes.

Administrators, gardeners, workers: in addition to their clothing, their individual job titles also differ (sometimes). What remains the same is the workload. And that's quite something. 14 cemeteries with a total area of 72 hectares (or around 100 soccer fields). Plus approx. 150,000 square meters of space for paths and buildings. Up to 1,000 new graves each year. Around 2,000 burials per year and well over 1,000 funeral services. Countless trees, shrubs, and plants. We do all this with a team that is not much bigger than a soccer squad. Not bad, right?!

Office worker? Our Michael laughs at that, even though there is some truth to it. As an engineer and site manager, he naturally spends time in the office. He pores over plans, checks invoices, coordinates with colleagues, and always keeps an eye on the schedule. But he can be found on the construction site just as often. Fully equipped and prepared for anything that might await him there: expectations from clients, discussions with foremen, questions or concerns from residents and neighbors. And if necessary, he also lends a hand himself. It's a matter of honor.

Juggler: Our engineers are versatile—in every respect. Each one of them oversees several construction sites at the same time. This means keeping all the balls in the air and maintaining their (professional) balance. After all, complex construction projects are not only difficult to predict, but also expensive. They can involve several million euros, sums that can make your head spin.

Overalls, a kind of cable reel, and the sewage treatment plant in the background: this is what a film producer looks like—when he works for us. Simon films the city's sewers. That means he lets his camera off the leash (which is what the "cable reel" actually is) and uses it to search for possible cracks or defects. This is important for the service life of the sewer system and the environment. By the way: for large sewers, we have to hire specialist companies to film them and then check the footage. That's when the film producer becomes a director.

Get involved: as a property owner, you automatically own a piece of the sewer system. The section between your house and your property line belongs to you. And you should have it checked for damage from time to time. Otherwise, your own sewage could suddenly start "gnawing" at your house wall or "fertilizing" your garden. And you don't really want that, do you? So: Check your house connection. And if you don't know how, just ask us. We are here for you. (opens in a new tab)

Of course, cemeteries are primarily places for the deceased. Nevertheless, they are full of life and therefore also full of sounds and noises. Visitors chatting. Relatives mourning. But also squirrels scurrying through bushes and fluttering birds. Rustling trees, cracking branches, the muffled sounds of the surroundings. A melodious mixture, comparable to the final preparations of an orchestra just before the performance begins. Just like in a concert hall.

Death is part of life: this saying may sound trite, but it isn't. Our cemeteries prove it. There, laughter meets tears, noise meets silence. Energy touches exhaustion, hustle and bustle finds peace, seriousness encounters joy. The fact that life and death belong together is also reflected in the constantly changing culture of mourning. Coffin or urn: this choice is no longer sufficient. We now offer almost twenty burial options—and the trend is rising. This is a challenge for our planners, but a matter of course when it comes to the last will and testament.

As head of the new construction department, she set the tactics, divided up the team, and was responsible for team spirit. Silvia was the playmaker when it came to building and repairing bridges, roads, canals, pumping stations, and retention basins. Was, because she has now handed over command to her successor, Michael. This means that he is now also responsible for managing subsidies and calculating and organizing fee notices. And the boat? Michael and his team are still organizing the city's flood protection, even though Silvia is no longer at the helm.

Girl power: Even though "Silvia" has now become "Michael," female bosses are normal for us. A glance at the top of the company (opens in a new tab) should suffice as proof. But actually, we don't want to talk about equality at length. We prefer to live it. Because regardless of origin and religion, whether male or female, with or without a disability: what really counts is professional expertise and team spirit.